The mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina is facing public corruption charges, the Fayetteville Observer reported.
On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins said Mayor Patrick Cannon, 47, solicited and accepted bribes from undercover FBI agents acting as real estate developers who wanted to do business in Charlotte.
According to a criminal complaint, Cannon is accused of receiving more than $48,000 in cash, airline tickets, a hotel room, and the use of a luxury apartment as part of the bribes.
If convicted, the mayor could face up to 20 years in prison and more than $1 million in fines.
Cannon was elected to office in November, replacing former Mayor Anthony Foxx. He was also named Transportation Secretary by President Barack Obama.
According to The State, authorities began an investigation in August 2010 after receiving a tip.
In an unrelated investigation, California state Sen. Leland Yee was arrested on corruption charges on Wednesday as well.
"At this time we are not elaborating due to the need for agent safety," FBI spokeswoman Gina Swankie said.
Dan Lieberman, a spokesman for the Democratic legislator, said he had no information but would provide a statement later in the today, the Sacramento Bee said.
The state senator's offices in both San Francisco and Sacramento are being raided and have been blocked off by authorities since 7 a.m.
