BALTIMORE (AP) — A Maryland state senator already accused of taking illegal payments is now facing more charges.
FILE – In this April 10, 2017 file photo, Sen. Nathaniel Oaks, D-Baltimore City, stands in the Maryland House of Delegates chamber on the final day of the Maryland legislative session in Annapolis, Md. Oaks, who is already accused of taking illegal payments, is now facing more charges. The U.S. Attorney announced a nine-count indictment Thursday, June 1, 2017, that includes wire fraud and Travel Act violations for allegedly accepting illegal payments to use his position to benefit an individual on business-related matters. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
The U.S. attorney announced a nine-count indictment Thursday against Sen. Nathaniel Oaks that includes wire fraud and Travel Act violations for allegedly accepting illegal payments to use his position to benefit an individual on business-related matters. The Baltimore Democrat was charged with honest services wire fraud in April and pleaded not guilty.
The investigation dates to 2015, when Oaks was a House member. Prosecutors allege Oaks was paid $10,300 for writing letters on House letterhead with fraudulent details to help a confidential FBI source obtain federal grants and $5,000 to file a bond request seeking $250,000 in state funds for a project.
Oaks’ attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment.