PROVIDENCE — The former mayor of a Rhode Island city that recently emerged from bankruptcy pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge Monday, acknowledging that he ­accepted gifts from a political supporter who received a lucrative city contract to board up vacant homes.

Charles Moreau apologized to the people of Central Falls, his family, and friends after appear­ing in US District Court in Providence Monday morning. Moreau, whose hands shook during his hearing, faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced in February. Moreau stepped down as mayor in September.