NATIONAL BRIEFING / MARYLAND
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon was indicted on charges that the Democrat accepted illegal gifts as mayor and City Council president, including travel, fur coats and gift cards intended for the poor that she allegedly used for a holiday shopping spree.
A grand jury indicted Dixon on 12 counts, including four of perjury and two of theft over $500.
She was also charged with theft under $500, fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary and misconduct in office.
State prosecutors, who have been investigating City Hall corruption for nearly three years, said Dixon received holiday gift cards that were to be distributed to needy families, but which she used instead to buy an Xbox, PlayStation 2, camcorder, clothes and other merchandise.
“I am being unfairly accused,” Dixon said.
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