Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez surrendered himself to authorities Tuesday after investigators confronted him about the $40,000 of construction work done on his home — by a city contractor. Perez maintained that he did not commit a crime and vowed to remain in office. The contractor, Carlos Costa, had been awarded a $5 million city streetscape contract in 2005, a perk the court saw as a bribe paid in return for free labor on kitchens and bathrooms in Perez’s home. The mayor is charged with receiving a bribe, fabricating evidence and conspiracy to fabricate evidence. If convicted of the felonies, Perez could face up to 10 years in prison.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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