Former Baltimore mayor charged with fraud, tax evasion in book scandal

Federal prosecutors have charged former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh (D) on 11 counts including tax evasion, fraud and conspiracy in connection with an alleged scheme involving her self-published children’s books that led to her resignation in May, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The indictment, first made public Wednesday, alleges Pugh failed to print more than 100,000 copies of “Healthy Holly” books she received orders for and used the profits from nearly $800,000 in sales to buy a house, donate to her own campaign and pay down debt, according to the Sun.

{mosads}Prosecutors allege that during the same period, Pugh was underreporting her income. They say she reported only $31,000 in income to the IRS in 2016, when she was running for mayor and serving as a state senator. Prosecutors allege she in fact made more than $322,000 that year, according to the newspaper.

“Our elected officials must place the interests of the citizens above their own,” U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur said in a statement. “Corrupt public employees rip off the taxpayers and undermine everyone’s faith in government.”

The charges against Pugh carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison, collectively, and prosecutors are also seeking to seize just under $770,000 and the house in Ashburton she allegedly bought and renovated with the proceeds of the scheme.

“The people of Maryland expect elected officials to make decisions based on the public’s best interests, not to abuse their office for personal gain,” Jennifer Boone, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Baltimore division, said in a statement. “The indictment alleges that Catherine Pugh betrayed the public’s trust.”

The Hill has reached out to Pugh’s personal attorney for comment.