By Tony Baylor // News // EEW Magazine Online

Despite many supporters answering Marilyn Mosby’s request for prayer as she fights a harrowing legal battle, the outcome is not what they hoped.

The former State's Attorney for Baltimore City, 44, has been convicted of one count of mortgage fraud following a tense 10-day trial. The verdict was reached after the jury spent approximately eight hours in deliberation, leading to a split decision regarding the two charges she faced.

The Charges

Mosby stood accused of committing fraud in the acquisition of two vacation homes located in Florida. While the jury acquitted her of the charge related to a property purchase in Kissimmee, they found her guilty of making a false mortgage application concerning a condominium in Long Boat Key.

The conviction relates to a federal charge of making a false mortgage application during her tenure as Baltimore City's State's Attorney. The Department of Justice (DOJ) presented evidence that Mosby falsely claimed a $5,000 gift from her then-husband, Nick Mosby, who was serving as Baltimore City Council President, to secure a more favorable mortgage rate for the Florida condominium. The DOJ asserted that no such gift was given; instead, funds were transferred between the couple to create the appearance of a gift.

Personal Details Revealed

The trial brought to light personal details about the Mosbys, once considered a power couple in Baltimore. They testified that their high-profile status and Nick Mosby's undisclosed tax debts contributed to the deterioration of their marriage. Marilyn Mosby expressed to the jury her desire for financial independence through the purchase of the Florida properties, as she had never owned property before, and her marriage was faltering.

However, the prosecution challenged her intentions, accusing her of deceit on mortgage documents to obtain lower interest rates. They claimed she failed to disclose a tax lien to her lenders and falsely promised not to rent out one of the homes, despite having already signed a contract for its rental.

The mortgage fraud case has been marked by emotional testimony from both Marilyn and Nick Mosby. The former State's Attorney recounted the pressures of her role, including death threats she received after deciding to prosecute officers involved in Freddie Gray's death in 2015.

Supporters Stand Strong

Throughout the ordeal, the defendant has been supported by a group of dedicated followers who held a vigil outside the courthouse during the trial. After the verdict, they showed their support by chanting, "We love Marilyn," as she departed the courtroom. They could be heard praying before the verdict, asking God for Mosby’s ultimate vindication.

Following the guilty verdict, U.S. Attorney Erik Barron commented on the outcome, expressing respect for the court's rulings, the opposing counsel's advocacy, and the jury's decisions.

Ms. Mosby faces a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for the mortgage fraud charge. This comes on top of her previous conviction on two counts of perjury last November, for which she has yet to be sentenced. The perjury charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count, stemming from lies about COVID relief to improperly withdraw funds from her retirement account.

A sentencing date for the mortgage fraud conviction is still pending. As the legal proceedings continue, her future hangs in the balance, with the final chapters of this saga yet to be written.