Legal analyst provides more perspective on Cannon's arrest

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Attorney's Office said Mayor Patrick Cannon does not have a lawyer representing him in the case.

Channel 9 reached out to a legal analyst for more perspective on Cannon's arrest and case.

The analyst said there's a possibility that agents used video and audio recordings -- even marked money in an effort to bring these charges against Cannon.

The analyst stressed this is a criminal complaint against the mayor the next step would be for the federal government to bring an indictment against Cannon, which he believes could happen as early as next week.

According to the criminal complaint, the federal investigation against Cannon on charges of theft and bribery dates back to 2010.

There's a lot at stake here, including the possibility of removal from office, fines and even jail time if Cannon is convicted.

"If this case goes to trial and the mayor is convicted or if the mayor entered a plea to these charges it is very likely that jail time would be involved," said attorney James Wyatt with Wyatt & Blake Law Firm.

Wyatt said at this point it's unclear if the mayor would take a plea deal, but Wyatt said any deal would likely include jail time.

WSOC