Disgraced ex-Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh has been jailed for three years for using revenue from fraudulent book sales to benefit her re-election bid.<\/p>\n
Pugh apologised before her sentencing for the scheme, which saw hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks disguised as book sales.<\/p>\n
She was also ordered to pay more than $1m (\u00a3775,000) in restitution.<\/p>\n
Pugh, 69, resigned in May after FBI agents raided city hall and homes that she owned.<\/p>\n
Pugh, a Democrat who was took office in 2016, pleaded guilty last November to conspiracy and tax evasion.<\/p>\n
The crime centred on the mayor’s Healthy Holly book series, which promotes healthy eating and exercise to primary-school aged children.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors claimed that Pugh’s scheme began seven years ago, when she was a Maryland state senator, and that she was assisted by two long-time aides. They are awaiting sentencing after also pleading guilty to conspiracy and tax charges.<\/p>\n
Officials say Pugh sold the books to corporate buyers who had an interest in “obtaining or maintaining a government contract”.<\/p>\n
Sales were made to local health providers and schools, but in some cases the books were never delivered and actually sold for a second time.<\/p>\n
Profits from book sales were funnelled to her mayoral campaign and also to buy a new house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n US Attorney Robert Hurr said Pugh’s actions “undermine everyone’s faith in government.”<\/p>\n “This is a tragedy and the last thing our city needs,” he said.<\/p>\n Outside the court, Pugh said: “I just want to apologise to the citizens, to young people, to partners, my friends, everyone I’ve offended”.<\/p>\n “I accept total responsibility. I’ve pled guilty. I’m sorry.”<\/p>\n Source: bbc.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/C447\/production\/_106774205__106592247_91188npid6l._sl500_sy496_bo1204203200_.jpg\")
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