Former Baltimore Prosecutor Faces Sentencing for Fraud Charges During COVID-19 Pandemic

Former Baltimore state's attorney, Marilyn Mosby, appeared before a judge at a federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland on Thursday, where she awaits her sentence after being convicted of perjury and mortgage fraud charges. The charges stem from her alleged lies about her personal finances in order to gain access to retirement funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mosby, who gained national attention for charging six Baltimore police officers in the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, appeared in court following separate trials related to her personal finances. Despite three officers being acquitted, Mosby's office dropped charges against the remaining three officers.

Prosecutors argued that Mosby falsely claimed her travel-oriented side business was harmed by the pandemic, enabling her to withdraw $90,000 from Baltimore city's deferred compensation plan. She allegedly used this money to make down payments on vacation homes in Kissimmee and Long Boat Key, Florida, taking advantage of provisions under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Mosby's defense maintained that she used her own income to withdraw the funds and asserted that no one was defrauded since she paid the necessary penalties and taxes. However, the government argued that the money remained the property of the city until she was legally eligible, and her perjury during the pandemic harmed those who followed the rules.

In addition to the perjury charges, Mosby was also convicted of mortgage fraud. Prosecutors claimed that she submitted a $5,000 "gift letter" when taking a loan to buy a property in Long Boat Key. They argue that the letter falsely stated that Mosby's husband was giving her the money when it actually came from her own funds. As per prosecutors, without the gift letter, the loan would not have been provided, and Mosby would not have obtained the property.

Federal prosecutors have recommended a 20-month prison sentence for Mosby, emphasizing that she has shown no remorse or contrition throughout the legal process. They also noted that she has attempted to delegitimize the case against her. However, Mosby's attorneys have pleaded with the judge to spare her from imprisonment, contending that she is the only public official in Maryland to be prosecuted for federal offenses without any victims, financial loss, or use of public funds.

Mosby, who served two terms as state's attorney for Baltimore, lost her bid for reelection in 2022 following her indictment. She has also applied for a presidential pardon, with support from the Congressional Black Caucus.

The trials were moved from Baltimore to Greenbelt after Mosby's defense argued that she would not receive a fair trial due to years of negative media coverage. As Mosby entered the courthouse, she was greeted by supporters who applauded her arrival.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is expected to speak before the judge on Mosby's behalf. U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby will ultimately determine Mosby's sentence in the coming days.