BALTIMORE, MD—Federal prosecutors recommended on Thursday that former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh be sentenced to nearly five years in prison.
Last fall, Pugh was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of tax evasion.
She indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the “Healthy Holly” book controversy that began in May, at which time she resigned from office.
The statement of facts in the case stated how Pugh defrauded local businesses and nonprofit organizations out of nearly $800,000 through sales of the books to unlawfully enrich herself, promote her political career, and illegally fund her campaign for mayor, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Prosecutors also said Pugh had not disclosed her financial interests while in the Senate before becoming mayor, as required by Maryland law.
Pugh is set to be sentenced February 27th.
