Former Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon sentenced to 44 months

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon was sentenced to three years and eight months in federal prison Tuesday afternoon by Judge Frank Whitney on bribery charges at the federal courthouse uptown.

WATCH: Patrick Cannon somber in court at sentencing

The judge also handed down a $10,000 fine and ordered two years supervised release for Cannon after his sentence is served.

Cannon will be able to self-report to prison, but that date has not been decided.

RAW VIDEO: Patrick Cannon walks out of federal courthouse

Cannon's face was somber and he entered the courtroom and stayed that way through the three-hour hearing that ended with the sentencing.

Cannon was surrounded by his legal team and a crush of reporters after the sentencing.

SPECIAL SECTION: Patrick Cannon

He would not answer any questions about the crimes that are sending him away.

Inside the courtroom, Cannon said, "I let a lot of people down."

"The last several months have been the worst of my entire life," Cannon said. "I'm sorry for the shame I've brought to myself, my family and to Charlotte."

Cannon's attorney revealed the former mayor is struggling with alcohol abuse.

The judge granted Cannon could have treatment while in prison.

RAW VIDEO: Cannon swarmed after leaving courthouse
       
Cannon's crimes stemmed from a year-long federal investigation that involved Cannon selling his political influence for multiple cash bribes.

He faced a stern lecture from Whitney.
       
"Public corruption goes to the heart of the legitimacy of government," Whitney told Cannon. "You have seriously tarnished the city's image."

"I still see, feel and regret the actions of that day," Cannon said. "I know my misconduct stains my words."

TIMELINE: Patrick Cannon 

Cannon went on to tell the judge "I hope my city will have mercy toward me and forgiving spirit toward me."
       
Whitney then sentenced Cannon to 44 months in prison.

 SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES: Cannon Sentencing

Cannon, who had been teary-eyed in court, emerged unwilling to make any public comment. He walked stone-faced through a gauntlet of reporters, but not answering any of their questions.

But he did finally say something.

IMAGES: Patrick Cannon arrives at federal courthouse for sentencing

"(I'm) just hoping the community will be forgiving of me," Cannon said.

As Cannon was whisked away, federal prosecutors who had actually argued for a slightly shorter sentence said justice has been served.

TIPS, PHONE NUMBERS to report fraud in Charlotte

"I definitely think the sentence is a very strong sentence that will send a message of deterrence," said U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins.

Tompkins said the 44-month sentence should be a warning to other politicians about the consequences of corruption.

Cannon's longtime friend stands by his side in court

The judge called it a tragic day for Cannon, but he also told Cannon he is a very lucky man because he has the support of so many friends and family members.

Many of them were in the courtroom Tuesday with Cannon to the end.

It was clearly an emotional time for Cannon's wife and family and friends as they walked out of the courthouse.

Patrick Cannon's longtime friend: "Pat did a lot for this city"

For the last seven months, they have walked with Cannon on his road to judgment.

Cannon told the judge he had failed as a father, husband and citizen, but his supporters were not going to rail at him now.

"That's his mother, his family," said Cannon's longtime friend Jon McLaughlin.

McLaughlin is proud of a friendship that started when he and Cannon were young.

"We talked just yesterday, just to text and say he hopes I'm there, he remains optimistic," McLaughlin said.

Tuesday was about keeping his promise to support his friend. But McLaughlin told Channel 9 Cannon understands he made a mistake, but the last seven months have taken their toll.

"It's hard for him, very hard for him," McLaughlin said.

Among those who were in the courtroom Tuesday were other former politicians and community leaders who also count themselves as friends of Cannon.

READ MORE:  Our past coverage on the Patrick Cannon case

WSOC