Montreal's interim mayor resigns after his arrest on fraud charges; city rocked by scandals

MONTREAL – Montreal's interim mayor has resigned, a day after his arrest on fraud charges.

Michael Applebaum denied the charges Tuesday and said he needs to focus on fighting them.

Applebaum had vowed to clean up the corruption scandals rocking the city. He faces 14 charges, including defrauding the government and corruption in municipal affairs. He was arrested Monday.

Applebaum took over as interim mayor of Canada's second-largest city in November, after former mayor Gerald Tremblay resigned amid corruption allegations.

A high-profile public inquiry in Quebec province has uncovered links between the construction industry and organized crime.

Applebaum's charges relate to real estate projects between 2006 and 2011, when he served as borough mayor.