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Providence mayor sentenced to prison for racketeering

Providence Mayor Vincent Cianci Jr. talks to media after leaving federal court Friday.

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (CNN) -- Long-time Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci Jr. was sentenced Friday to five years and four months in prison, plus two years probation and a $100,000 fine on a federal corruption charge.

Before announcing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Ernest Torres said this is "a sad day for Providence." He said Cianci has "rare vision and boundless energy" and has "played a great role in the renaissance of the city."

But Torres added that "it is not an understatement to say that this is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," and said it was his job to sentence "Mr. Hyde."

Cianci, 61, has been mayor of Providence for 21 years. He was convicted in June on one count of racketeering conspiracy that accused him of directing a cadre that took bribes for favors such as tax breaks, jobs and special deals on city-owned land. He was acquitted on 11 other charges.

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Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, while defense attorneys had asked for a lesser sentence.

Judge Torres rejected those motions and stuck with federal sentencing guidelines, which called for a sentence from four years and nine months to five years and 11 months.

Speaking in court before his sentencing, Cianci maintained his innocence, said he loved the city that he had dedicated himself to and had never meant to do anything wrong.

Two co-defendants, Frank Corrente and Richard Autiello also are to be sentenced Friday.

Cianci has said he will appeal the conviction. State law requires Cianci to leave office after being sentenced.

CNN affiliate WLNE contributed to this story.