By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
On May 23, Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby was sentenced to three years of supervised release and 12 months of home detention for mortgage fraud and perjury. She must also complete 100 hours of community service.
Around 13 other people spoke at her sentencing, speaking to Mosby’s character and the need for her to return home with her family and children, instead of prison.
Well-known Civil Rights Lawyer Benjamin Crump was one.
“The conviction should only be classified as a minor white-collar crime in which many others have been convicted of and faced a sentence that amounted to a slap on the wrist,” said Crump. “What is different here today, is that underneath that white collar is the neck of a Black woman, who dares to challenge the status quo.”
In November 2023, Mosby was convicted on two counts of perjury for falsely claiming she experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to withdraw funds from Baltimore City’s Deferred Compensation Plan.
In February, a federal jury found Mosby guilty on one of two counts of mortgage fraud in coordination with the purchase of a property in Longboat Key, Fla.
Mosby’s supporters came out in droves by car and bus.
Mosby could be seen entering the courthouse with her head held high alongside her daughters, Aniyah and Nylyn, in matching white outfits. Her ex-husband, Nick Mosby, came in a little afterward in a blue suit. The family members did not comment ahead of the court proceedings.
The courts made available overflow rooms in Greenbelt, Md., where the proceedings occurred, and Baltimore.
Supporters walked up to Mosby, giving her hugs as they filed into the Greenbelt, Md., courtroom. Mosby looked tearful as the proceedings were set to begin.
In court, Mosby first faced arguments for forfeiture of her Florida property in Longboat Key, Fla. The judge ultimately granted the forfeiture of that property.
In the days and weeks leading up to the sentencing, Mosby pushed for a presidential pardon, which has not yet been answered.
As of May 23, Mosby’s online petition for a presidential pardon from Biden received more than 75,000 signatures, gaining about 14,000 in three days.
Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.