ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren hugged supporters after her court appearance Monday, where she pleaded not guilty to election law and fraud charges. Many of her supporters say the mayor is a woman with integrity.
"Mayor Lovely would never do anything to hurt the people of Rochester intentionally, never. She's not that type of woman. She is a woman of faith, a woman of integrity, and a believer in Christ," said Prophet Pettway, a supporter of the mayor.
One of those showing their support was Zedrick Wilson. Wilson says Warren had a job fair in the city. He initially thought they weren't going to hire former felons, so he left. He says as he was leaving, one of her workers stopped him.
"We explained to him our situation and he said, 'no, I want you to talk to somebody,' and he took us back in. We spoke to somebody and ever since then I've had so many great jobs. I've started my own business. I mean, things really changed around for the better for me," said Wilson.
The charges come at a tough time for the mayor. Many have already been calling for her to resign following the death of Daniel Prude in Rochester police custody. The mayor previously called the allegations a political witch-hunt.
"These political games are an attempt to muddy the water of the success she has had for our city, for the people to make it impossible for her to continue to serve. This is the target that sits on our back," said Cynthia Anderson, pastor of Faith Bible Tabernacle Center Inc.
At times, it was a church-like atmosphere outside the courthouse. Her supporters say at the end of the day, Mayor Warren is a strong Christian woman who will overcome this obstacle.