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Home · News

Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh Charged With Wire Fraud, Tax Evasion

Pugh, 69, was indicted on 11 federal charges total, related to the controversial book deal of her Healthy Holly children's series.
Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh Charged With Wire Fraud, Tax Evasion
By Breanna Edwards · Updated November 4, 2020

Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh is facing some serious federal charges, an indictment against the politician that was made public on Wednesday revealed.

According to WBALTV, Pugh is facing 11-counts total, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of tax evasion.

Pugh was charged earlier this month, on Nov. 14, and is scheduled to make an appearance for arraignment on Nov. 21.

The charges stem from the investigations into the former Mayor’s book deals for her self-published Healthy Holly series, allegedly cutting deals with companies connected to the city and state government.

As the Washington Post notes, most of the books were sold to non-profit groups and foundations who were either working with or trying to work with the city. The sales of the books were then allegedly meant to benefit Pugh and a partner, with some of the funds going to purchasing and renovating Pugh’s home, and to “promote Pugh’s political career and run her campaign for mayor.”

Amidst increased scrutiny over her book deals, and following federal agents raiding Pughs home and City Hall Office, Pugh resigned in May.

“I am sorry for the harm that I have caused to the image of the city of Baltimore and the credibility of the Office of the Mayor. Baltimore deserves a mayor who can move our great city forward,” she said in a statement that was read by attorney Steven Silverman.

Pugh is not the only one facing charges in the case.

As WBALTV notes, two former Baltimore City employees – Gary Brown Jr. and Roslyn Wedington have already pleaded guilty to charges brought against them.

Brown, 38, a longtime aide who has been with Pugh since she was a state senator in 2011 according to the Baltimore Sun, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, filing a false tax return and two counts of conspiring to the defraud the United States.

Wedington, 50, the executive director of a nonprofit where Pugh was board chairwoman, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and five counts of filing false tax returns.

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