(AP) - Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez was charged with receiving a bribe and other charges related to work done by a contractor who received millions of dollars in city contracts.
Prosecutors arrested Perez Tuesday and charged him with receiving a bribe, fabricating physical evidence and conspiracy to fabricate evidence. The felonies can bring a maximum sentence of five to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Perez says he made a lapse in judgment, but didn't do anything illegal. He says he won't resign.
The charges stem from $20,000 in kitchen and bathroom renovations at Perez's home. The work was done by a contractor who was awarded millions of dollars in city contracts.
The contractor, Carlos Costa, was arrested Monday.
Work at Perez's home was completed in 2006. Perez says he paid Costa in July 2007.