Former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby convicted of mortgage fraud

Marilyn Mosby, former Baltimore State's Attorney, found guilty of making false statements to mortgage lender in federal court. Jury acquitted fraud.

Former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby was found guilty of making false statements to a mortgage lender by federal jurors in the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Md. on Feb. 6. However, she was acquitted of fraud regarding the first of two properties she purchased in Florida, but ultimately convicted over false statements made to acquire the second.

Her defense team, led by Maggie Grace, made a compelling closing statement in defense of Mosby, but the jury ultimately found her guilty. Supporters of Mosby arrived at the court in Greenbelt, Md. from Baltimore, displaying their displeasure with the case through signs. They even engaged in a prayer circle before entering the building.

Marilyn Mosby rose to prominence in Baltimore as the youngest chief prosecutor of a major American city. She was responsible for prosecuting the six police officers involved in the arrest and eventual death of Freddie Gray Jr. in 2015. Mosby's high-profile cases drew both praise and criticism.

Mosby was married to Nick Mosby, who serves as president of the Baltimore City Council. The couple finalized their divorce late last year. During their marriage, Nick Mosby fell into financial trouble, including defaulting on student loans, tax problems, and being behind on the mortgage. Marilyn's defense team claimed she was not aware of their financial situation as Nick took care of the major bills, including taxes and the mortgage.

In 2020, Mosby purchased her first house in Florida, a decision influenced by her broker and realtor, Gilbert Bennett. She claimed it was a great opportunity to have her own property in a historically white area. However, the purchase led to issues when she signed a "second home rider" to receive a cheaper mortgage payment, but instead rented the home to others through a property management company.

Mosby was also convicted of perjury in a separate trial in November 2023 for withdrawing $90,000 from her retirement funds to use as a down payment on the homes. She claimed she was experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic to receive the funds. Mosby has announced that she will be appealing that verdict.

In light of the portrayal of Marilyn Mosby throughout this case, Mark Hughes of Black Men Unifying Black Men commented, "My opinion is that the portrayal makes it appear as if she willfully committed mortgage fraud. I don't believe that is the case. Yes, she signed various documents at settlement but mastery of the law in one area doesn't equate to mastery in another area. Also, it's hard not to wonder if this would have been prosecuted to this extent if she were someone else."

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