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Former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby Found Guilty of Mortgage Fraud

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Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has been found guilty of one count of mortgage fraud in connection to her Florida vacation homes. The jury, after deliberating for about eight hours, delivered a split verdict, acquitting Mosby of one charge while convicting her of another.

Mosby, 44, faced trial over allegations of mortgage fraud related to the purchase of two vacation properties in Florida. The federal jury found her guilty of making a false mortgage application for a condominium in Long Boat Key, Florida, while clearing her of similar charges concerning a home in Kissimmee.

The sentencing date for Mosby has yet to be set. This latest conviction adds to her legal woes, as she was previously found guilty of two counts of perjury in November, stemming from her attempts to withdraw $90,000 from retirement funds for down payments on the Florida homes. Prosecutors argued that Mosby falsely claimed financial hardships due to the pandemic to access the funds.

Mosby’s legal troubles don’t end there. Federal authorities in Maryland alleged that she failed to disclose unpaid federal taxes and a $45,000 IRS lien on her properties during mortgage applications. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Zelinsky asserted during closing arguments that Mosby, as a seasoned prosecutor, knowingly made false statements to secure favorable mortgage terms.

The trial, which lasted for 10 days, featured testimony from both Mosby and her ex-husband, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby. The defense argued that Mosby was misled by trusted advisers, including her ex-husband, her realtor, and her mortgage broker.

Mosby’s conviction carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, adding to the potential five-year sentences she faces for each count of perjury. Sentencing for both cases has yet to be scheduled.

The case has drawn significant attention, with concerns about potential juror bias leading to the trial being moved from Baltimore to Greenbelt, Maryland. Mosby’s supporters rallied outside the courtroom, chanting their support as she left without commenting.

As Mosby prepares for sentencing and continues to appeal her perjury convictions, the legal saga surrounding the former Baltimore State’s Attorney shows no signs of abating. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.

Elections

Thiru Vignarajah’s Bold Entry into 2024 Baltimore Mayoral Race

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In a bold move reminiscent of the late William Donald Schaefer, former federal prosecutor Thiru Vignarajah has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2024 Baltimore mayoral race. Declaring his candidacy at a news conference in front of Baltimore City Hall, Vignarajah outlined his vision for the city, drawing attention to both its challenges and opportunities.

Vignarajah, a former deputy attorney general for Maryland and a four-time candidate for various offices in Baltimore, seeks to differentiate himself from the current Democratic primary contenders, including incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott and former Mayor Sheila Dixon. In an interview, Vignarajah expressed his motivation to enter the race, citing dissatisfaction with his rivals’ recent campaign finance reports and concerns about the recent purchase of the Baltimore Sun by David Smith of Sinclair Inc.

The attorney plans to run utilizing Baltimore’s public financing system, a departure from his previous campaigns where he amassed significant funds. This system multiplies small donations made to candidates, provided they reject contributions exceeding $150 and refuse money from unions or political action committees (PACs). Vignarajah’s decision reflects a strategic shift aimed at aligning with the values of grassroots support and reducing the influence of big money in politics.

Despite past allegations of being a demanding boss, Vignarajah aims to connect with voters looking for an alternative to Dixon or Scott. He believes there is an opportunity to disrupt the prevailing narrative, framing the race as a choice between corruption and incompetence. Vignarajah’s candidacy adds a fresh perspective, promising a break from the status quo and a chance for Baltimore to thrive.

This marks Vignarajah’s fourth run for a citywide office in six years, showcasing his resilience and commitment to public service. In his previous attempts, he faced challenges related to fundraising and leadership style critiques. However, with his latest bid, Vignarajah seeks to address these concerns by adopting a people-powered financing approach and emphasizing his recent appointment as a managing partner at the national law firm of Sanford Heisler Sharp.

In an interview with The Baltimore Sun, Vignarajah expressed concern about the lack of public enthusiasm for the current field of candidates, citing what he deemed as “underwhelming” fundraising efforts on their behalf. His decision to reenter the political arena stems from a genuine desire to offer Baltimore residents a compelling choice and reinvigorate public engagement in the electoral process.

Vignarajah faces tough competition from notable Democrats, including incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott and former Mayor Sheila Dixon. Both candidates have significant political experience, with Scott seeking a second term and Dixon attempting to reclaim her seat. Another Democratic contender, Robert Wallace, a business owner who ran as an independent candidate in 2020, adds further depth to the competitive field.

As Vignarajah embarks on his mayoral campaign, his late entry injects a new dynamic into the race, promising a fresh perspective and a departure from traditional political norms. With a focus on public financing, grassroots support, and a commitment to addressing Baltimore’s pressing issues, Vignarajah aims to carve out a distinct space for himself in the hearts and minds of voters.

As the 2024 mayoral race unfolds, Baltimore residents can anticipate a spirited and diverse electoral contest, with each candidate vying to address the city’s challenges and seize its opportunities. Thiru Vignarajah’s candidacy adds another layer to this political tapestry, creating a scenario where the choice between candidates becomes a crucial factor in shaping Baltimore’s future.

Elections

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney Declares Run for Virginia Governor in 2025

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Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial race, announcing his candidacy with a poignant video that highlights his personal journey and vision for the Commonwealth.

At 42 years old, Stoney, who has been at the helm of Virginia’s capital through a transformative period, seeks to secure the Democratic nomination for governor, setting the stage for a primary battle with U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who recently declared her candidacy as well.

Stoney’s candidacy is framed by his commitment to ensuring every Virginian has an equal opportunity for success, drawing inspiration from his own background growing up in a working-poor family. Raised by his father, Marvin, and grandmother, Mary, Stoney emphasizes his personal milestones, including being the first in his family to graduate high school and college, as well as becoming the youngest Mayor in Richmond’s history and the first Black Secretary of the Commonwealth.

If elected, Stoney would make history as the first Black Governor in Virginia in over three decades. With a background as the former Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Virginia, he boasts an intimate understanding of the Commonwealth’s diverse challenges and opportunities, having engaged with constituents across the state.

Stoney’s campaign launch also takes a swipe at the current Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, accusing him of prioritizing personal agendas over the needs of Virginians and undermining people’s rights rather than uplifting them.

Stoney’s campaign narrative is heavily rooted in his personal story, exemplified in his campaign video, “Hands,” which serves as a tribute to his late father, Marvin. The video reflects on Marvin’s sacrifices, working multiple low-paying jobs, including being a janitor at a high school, to support his son’s education. Stoney’s campaign aims to resonate with voters by portraying a relatable journey of overcoming adversity and breaking barriers.

As the 2025 gubernatorial race unfolds, Stoney positions himself as a candidate with a deep understanding of Virginia’s diverse communities, a track record of effective governance, and a commitment to inclusive leadership. The primary showdown with Abigail Spanberger will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the Democratic Party in Virginia.

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Former Baltimore Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby Convicted on Perjury Charges

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Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has been found guilty on two counts of perjury by a federal jury. The verdict, reached on Thursday, follows allegations that Mosby falsely claimed financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic to withdraw $90,000 from the city’s retirement fund, which she then utilized for down payments on two vacation properties in Florida.

The charges against Mosby emerged before she was defeated in a Democratic primary last year, capping off her two-term tenure as state’s attorney for Baltimore. The case gained attention due to her previous high-profile role in charging the six police officers involved in the Freddy Gray case, where a Black man died while in police custody in 2015. The officers involved were either acquitted or faced mistrials.

U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, responding to the verdict, stated, “We respect the jury’s verdict and remain steadfastly committed to our mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, protect the civil rights of all Americans, and safeguard public property.”

The indictment alleges that Mosby did not experience the financial hardships she claimed. Contrary to her assertions, she received her full gross salary of $247,955.58 from January 1, 2020, through December 29, 2020, with bi-weekly gross pay direct deposits of $9,183.54.

James Wyda, Mosby’s lawyer, declined to comment, citing a gag order in place. Mosby initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

This conviction is not the end of legal troubles for Mosby, as she also faces two counts of making false mortgage applications in a pending federal case related to the purchase of the two Florida vacation homes. The trial date for this case has not been set yet.

If convicted on the false mortgage application charges, Mosby could potentially face a maximum prison sentence of 30 years for each of the two counts. The developments in Mosby’s case continue to draw attention and raise questions about the conduct of a prominent former prosecutor.