Ex-Mayor pleads guilty to corruption

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The disgraced former mayor of Central Falls pleaded guilty Monday morning to corruption charges in connection with a kickback scheme that cost the financially strapped city thousands of dollars.

“People make mistakes in life and I made a mistake and I’m going to pay for it,” said Charles Moreau outside of District Court Monday.

Moreau changed his plea to guilty during a hearing inside U.S. District Court in downtown Providence.

“I’d just like to apologize to the residents of Central Falls, my family, my friends. I’m deeply remorseful,” he said.

The former mayor, who resigned from the post in September, was accused of taking gifts from a political supporter in exchange for a lucrative city contract.

Federal officials said Moreau bypassed the bid process, and gave Michael Bouthillette contracts to board up foreclosed homes in the city.

In exchange, they said Bouthillette performed repair work and paid for part of a furnace at Moreau's former homes, for no charge.

Bouthillette also pleaded guilty.

Sentencing for Moreau is set for February 5.

“Hopefully going forward for the city of Central Falls, they come out of the bankruptcy prosperous and become the vibrant city that it’s always been.”

Both men are expected to get prison time.