Use of Gift Cards Take Down Sheila Dixon!

In the end Sheila Dixon, the Mayor of Baltimore was convicted of a single charge of using a $500 gift card intended for the needy. While Dixon's conviction is a misdemeanor and she was found innocent of the felony charges, she'll probably be forced out of office if and when she is sentenced. It's possible that she could delay the inevitable with appeals, but I would think that a quick resignation would be best for the city.

Still No Verdict In Baltimore Mayor Trial!

Jurors are still deadlocked in the theft trial of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. Yesterday jurors indicated that they could not come to a unanimous verdict on the charges, but indicated that they would come back today to continue deliberations. Dixon is on trial for theft or misuse of gift cards that were given to her, but intended for needy families. The longer it takes for jurors to arrive at a verdict the better things appear for Ms. Dixon, as jurors seem reluctant to convict her. The Baltimore Sun provides additional details on the proceedings.

Another Snub For Dixon!

Embattled Baltimore Mayor, Sheila Dixon was uninvited by the U.S. Conference of Mayors yesterday for a scheduled meeting of 70 mayors at the White House today according to the Baltimore Sun. Dixon, who made comments earlier this week that she felt snubbed by President Barack Obama when she wasn't acknowledged in a speech is obviously not making friends in Washington. The White House is not commenting.

Another Black Mayor In Trouble With The Law!

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon was indicted on 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office yesterday after a lengthy investigation. Dixon who has actually been a very effective mayor has vowed of course to fight the charges. The Baltimore Sun reports that the investigation stems from at least $15,348 in gifts Dixon allegedly received from her former boyfriend, prominent city developer Ronald H. Lipscomb, while she was City Council president. She also is accused of using as much as $3,400 in gift cards, some donated to her office for distribution to "needy families," to purchase Best Buys electronics and other items for herself and her staff.

Dixon appears to have garnered a lot of goodwill from within the city. The possibility of an indictment has been hanging over her for a while, and she's she managed to reduce the city's homicide rate to a 20 year low during her tenure. The real problem that Dixon is facing is that if she's found guilty of just the felony theft charges she faces 15 years in prison. This can't be a favorable prospect for the 55 year-old mother of 2.