Providence Journal photos / Kathy Borchers
Kristen and Charles Moreau arrive at federal court Monday.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Charles D. Moreau, the ex-mayor of Central Falls, pleaded guilty on Monday to a federal corruption charge that is expected to send him to prison for at least two years.
Contractor Michael Bouthillette arrives at federal court Monday.
U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. set sentencing for Moreau, 48, on Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. He pleaded guilty to one count of federal program fraud for accepting more than $14,000 in gratuities from his contractor friend, Michael G. Bouthillette.
Moreau gave Bouthillette a no-bid emergency contract in 2007 to board up vacant or abandoned buildings in Central Falls, the state's poorest city.
Outside the courthouse, facing Kennedy Plaza, Moreau held his wife Kristen's hand, and spoke to the gathered news media.
``I'd just like to apologize to the residents of Central Falls, my family and friends,'' he said.
Bouthillette was scheduled to plead guilty to the same charge this morning.
Federal prosecutor Terrence P. Donnelly and Assistant State Attorney General J. Patrick Youngs arriving outside federal court Monday.