News In Brief

Mayor in Georgia resigns after felony conviction

Edward McIntyre, Augusta's first black mayor, resigned ''in the best interests of this city'' Thursday after being convicted on federal extortion charges.

Mr. McIntyre maintained his innocence and said he was disappointed at the decision of the US District Court jury that convicted him on charges of extorting $9,000 from a land developer in exchange for a favorable council vote on a land deal.

He faces a maximum 60 years in prison and a $30,000 fine at his sentencing June 4. He also faces trial along with a real estate developer on charges contained in a separate two-count extortion indictment.