Former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby convicted mortgage fraud

Former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby found guilty of making false statements to a mortgage lender in federal court.

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

On the day of the verdict, Maggie Grace, a member of Mosby's defense team, delivered a closing statement in defense of the former State Attorney. Dozens of supporters gathered outside the court in Greenbelt, Md. to show their support for Mosby, with some holding signs expressing their displeasure with the case. Prior to entering the building, the supporters engaged in a prayer circle.

Mosby rose to prominence in Baltimore when she became 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, a case that drew widespread attention and criticism.

Mosby's personal life has also been under scrutiny, as she was married for 17 years to Nick Mosby, who currently serves as president of the Baltimore City Council. The couple finalized their divorce late last year. During the marriage, Nick Mosby faced financial difficulties, including defaulting on student loans, tax problems, and falling behind on the mortgage. Mosby's defense team claimed that she was unaware of the financial troubles, as Nick Mosby handled the household's major bills.

In 2020, Mosby closed on her own personal first house, located in Florida. She owns two properties in Florida, a house in Kissimmee and a beach condo in Longboat Key. The purchase of the first home led to legal issues, as Mosby signed a "second home rider" to receive a cheaper mortgage payment, under the condition that she used the house as a second residence. However, she hired a property management company to rent the home to others when she wasn't there, violating the terms of the agreement.

In addition to the recent guilty verdict, Mosby was convicted of perjury in a separate trial in November 2023 for the withdrawal of $90,000 from her retirement funds, which she used as a down payment on the homes. Prosecutors argued that she falsely claimed financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic to obtain the funds.

The portrayal of Marilyn Mosby throughout this case has sparked debate, with some questioning whether she was willfully committing mortgage fraud. Mark Hughes of Black Men Unifying Black Men expressed skepticism about the portrayal, suggesting that the case may not have been prosecuted to the same extent if Mosby were someone else.

The outcome of the trial has raised questions about Mosby's conduct and the broader implications of the case. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and how they will impact Mosby's reputation and career.