Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh Indicted on Fraud and Corruption Charges [VIDEO]

*Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh is facing federal charges related to her self-published children’s book series that reportedly paid her hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Pugh, 69, is expected to self-surrender to U.S. Marshals Thursday before her first court appearance, according to a news release, Fox News reports. 

Pugh resigned her post in May amid the book sale controversy, and she released a statement at the time addressing the scandal. 

“Dear citizens of Baltimore, I would like to thank you for allowing me to serve as the 50th mayor. It has been an honor and a privilege,” the statement read.

“Today I am submitting my resignation to the Baltimore City Council,” she continued. “I am sorry for the harm that I have caused to the image of the city of Baltimore, and to the credibility of the office of the mayor.”

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Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh indicted on numerous federal charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud and tax evasion in an alleged scheme involving the publishing of her children’s books. https://t.co/zseKTbl9rw

— ABC News (@ABC) November 20, 2019

Pugh has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of tax evasion. The indictment was returned Nov. 14.

Pugh, who became Baltimore’s 50th mayor on Dec. 6, 2016, faced a chorus of criticism and calls for her resignation after reports of the suspicious lucrative sales of her children’s book. Some of the money allegedly came from “entities she had political power to influence,”  The Blaze writes. 

Prosecutors believe she funded her lifestyle in addition to her political campaign and political interests, according to The Baltimore Sun. 

Prosecutors also allege Pugh listed her 2016 income as $31,000 when it actually exceeded $322,000.

In a statement, Maryland’s Republican Gov. Larry Hogan,  said he supported Pugh’s decision to resign.

“This was the right decision, as it was clear the mayor could no longer lead effectively. The federal and state investigations must and will continue to uncover the facts,” he said. “Baltimore City can now begin to move forward. The state pledges its full support to incoming Mayor Jack Young and to city leaders during this time of transition.”

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