Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien quipped that he felt like a "rock star" Monday as he strode through a crowd of reporters, on his way to a provincial police station to be booked on influence-peddling charges.
But O'Brien, 58, admitted it was a tough time for him as he fights allegations he bribed a rival to drop out of the city's mayoral race in 2006.
"This is not a happy day," he said. "But you certainly can't overestimate the significance or overreact."
O'Brien has staunchly maintained his innocence and none of the charges have been proven in court.
Police spent eight months investigating claims by Terry Kilrea that O'Brien offered him a position on the National Parole Board to leave the mayoral race.
The investigation was sparked by a complaint from the Ottawa and District Labour Council.
The labour group's president, Sean McKenny, said the mayor is innocent until proven guilty. But he also said the case has undermined O'Brien's effectiveness in dealing with other governments.
"A lot of people are talking about this across the country," said McKenny. "It's somewhat of an embarrassment."
He suggested O'Brien step down as mayor until the case comes to an end.
"If it's shown that he's innocent, then he can get on with the task at hand," he said.
The case goes to court on Wednesday.
With a report from CTV Ottawa
