Nation IN BRIEF : MARYLAND : HUD Figure Seeks Lighter Sentence

The Maryland woman dubbed “Robin HUD” for stealing millions from federal housing programs contends a recommendation by prosecutors for a harsh sentence sends a bad message to lawbreakers thinking of cooperating. Prosecutors have asked the U.S. District Court in Baltimore to give Marilyn Harrell 46 months behind bars. She has admitted to skimming millions of dollars from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Harrell maintains she cooperated with the investigation and should receive a lesser sentence. She claims she gave much of her embezzled money to charity.