Current:Home > StocksConvicted of embezzlement, former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon is running again -StockLine
Convicted of embezzlement, former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon is running again
View
Date:2025-04-16 05:12:24
BALTIMORE (AP) — More than a decade after being convicted of embezzling donated gift cards, a former Baltimore mayor has announced she’s again running for office.
Sheila Dixon, who resigned as part of a 2010 plea agreement in the corruption case, penned an op-ed in The Baltimore Sun on Thursday apologizing for her past digressions and announcing her candidacy in the city’s 2024 mayoral race. This marks her third bid for mayor following two unsuccessful attempts since her own tenure ended in scandal.
Dixon will go up against current Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott in the city’s Democratic primary. Scott is running for a second term.
In December 2009, a jury found Dixon guilty of embezzlement for misusing gift cards that had been donated to City Hall for charity. Instead of using them to serve the poor, Dixon spent about $500 at Target and Best Buy to purchase things for her family and staff.
Additional perjury charges against her were later dropped. Dixon served four years probation and completed other requirements. She was also barred from seeking political office for two years.
In her letter published Thursday in The Sun, Dixon offered a fresh apology while stressing that her conviction was a misdemeanor offense.
“I have truly made mistakes in my personal life, one of which resulted in a misdemeanor charge that forced my resignation from the job I loved the most,” she wrote. “I let matters of the heart lead me astray once before, and for that, and the pain that it caused to my beloved Baltimore, I am truly sorry. I hope the people realize that my love for the future of Baltimore outweighs the mistakes of my past.”
Baltimore’s first female mayor, Dixon has touted her efforts to reduce violent crime, pave roads and clean up neglected neighborhoods. The city’s homicide rate dropped during her tenure while arrests also declined.
A Baltimore native, Dixon served for years on the City Council before becoming mayor.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Japan PM Kishida is fighting a party corruption scandal. Here’s a look at what it’s about
- How was fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught? She answered U.S. Marshals' ad for a yoga instructor
- Trial set to begin for 2 accused of killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay over 20 years ago
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Former NHL player accused of sexual assault turns himself in to Ontario police
- Demand for minerals sparks fear of mining abuses on Indigenous peoples' lands
- A total solar eclipse in April will cross 13 US states: Which ones are on the path?
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Czech government signs a deal with the US to acquire 24 F-35 fighter jets
Ranking
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Eminem goes after Benzino in new Lyrical Lemonade track, rekindles longtime feud
- Mahomes, Kelce are headed to the Super Bowl after Chiefs shut down Ravens 17-10
- Michigan man changes up lotto strategy, wins $500,000 and plans to buy a new car
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Brock Purdy, 49ers rally from 17 points down, beat Lions 34-31 to advance to Super Bowl
- The Super Bowl is set: Mahomes and the Chiefs will face Purdy and the 49ers
- Super Bowl bound! Taylor Swift shares a kiss with Travis Kelce as Chiefs defeat Ravens: See pics
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
'American Fiction,' 'Poor Things' get box-office boost from Oscar nominations
Taylor Swift and Jason Kelce Support Travis Kelce at AFC Championship
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson can't hide his disappointment after stumbling against Chiefs
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
Disposable vapes will be banned and candy-flavored e-cigarettes aimed at kids will be curbed, UK says
Israel’s president says the UN world court misrepresented his comments in its genocide ruling
How Below Deck Has Changed Since Captain Lee Rosbach's Departure