Eddie Perez is the first Latino mayor of Hartford, Connecticut. Perez, who is serving his third term as Hartford's mayor, surrendered to authorities on January 27, 2009, on bribery charges. Perez was indicted by a state grand jury in an alleged corruption probe related to work done on his home.Newsday: Mayor of Hartford, Conn., charged with accepting bribe... (January 27, 2009) Courant.com: Perez Faces Charges (January 27, 2009) On February 3, 2009, Perez entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of bribery. While his attorney said he was prepared to go into trial the same day, a tentative trial date was set for March 3, 2009. Breibart: Hartford mayor pleads not guilty to bribery (February 3, 2009)

"First, I wish to apologize to the people of Hartford. My lapse in judgment in using a city contractor to perform work on my house was inexcusable. Though I firmly believe that I have not committed a crime, I have allowed the appearance of impropriety to color how those may view my administration. For this, I am truly sorry and take full responsibility."Courant.com: Hartford mayor's statement about corruption case