In a dramatic turn of events, Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore's former state's attorney, has been found guilty of perjury by a federal jury. The conviction comes as the first phase of the highly anticipated federal criminal case against Mosby concludes.

The jury deliberated for approximately five hours following three days of trial, which included in-depth examinations of Mosby's finances and her personal ambitions while serving as state's attorney. Prosecutors portrayed Mosby as a greedy politician who took advantage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), intended to help those suffering financially due to the pandemic, to enrich herself.

The verdict focuses on Mosby's alleged lies about experiencing financial hardship during the coronavirus pandemic. She is accused of falsely claiming eligibility to withdraw money early from her city retirement savings account under the CARES Act. Mosby used approximately $80,000 from the account to purchase properties in Florida, worth a total of $1 million.

The guilty findings in federal court mark a significant downfall for Mosby, who became the youngest chief prosecutor in a major American city in 2015 and garnered attention for her progressive prosecutorial decisions. However, her legal battle is far from over.

Mosby still faces pending charges of mortgage fraud related to the properties she purchased in Florida. The indictment against her, filed in January 2022, includes two counts of perjury and two counts of mortgage fraud. The perjury charges were the focus of the recent trial, while the mortgage fraud charges are yet to be heard.

Legal experts believe that the mortgage fraud case may be stronger than the perjury charges, raising questions about whether Mosby will opt for a plea agreement or proceed with another trial. The government will need to decide whether to pursue the second set of charges against her.

The potential penalties for Mosby are significant. The perjury charges carry a maximum sentence of five years each, meaning she could face up to 10 years in prison. The mortgage fraud charges, if she is found guilty, carry maximum punishments of 10 years each, potentially leading to a total of 30 years' incarceration.

However, it is essential to note that defendants in federal court rarely receive the maximum penalty. Factors such as criminal history, the magnitude of the fraud, and cooperation with authorities can impact the final sentencing. The schedule for Mosby's sentencing has not yet been determined, and a status conference will likely take place before a date is set.

In addition to legal consequences, Mosby's professional future is also in jeopardy. Several subsections of Maryland's rules for attorneys address the types of crimes she has been convicted of. Committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on an attorney's honesty, trustworthiness, or overall fitness is considered professional misconduct. It is highly likely that Mosby will face disbarment as a result of her perjury conviction.

The process for disbarment begins with the state Attorney Grievance Commission's bar counsel notifying the Supreme Court of Maryland on an emergency basis after a lawyer has been convicted of a crime. The court will then decide whether to suspend the attorney, pending further action.

Marilyn Mosby's fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale in the legal and political realms. Her conviction sheds light on the importance of integrity and ethical conduct for those in positions of power and influence. As her legal journey continues, the consequences and future implications of her actions will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding her once-prominent career.