Former Baltimore mayor sentenced to prison in children's book scam

Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison for engaging in fraudulent activity with her “Healthy Holly” children’s book company.

The fraud scam involved Pugh entering into a no-bid deal with the University of Maryland Medical System, for which she was a board member, to buy 100,000 copies of her self-published “Healthy Holly” books for $500,000.

The 69-year-old Pugh resigned from office in May 2019 amid news reports, then investigations into her finances and the fraudulent deal, off which she reportedly in all made $850,000.

Pugh was found guilty on charges of tax evasion, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States, according Maryland’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.

She was also ordered to repay $411,948 and forfeit $669,688, including property in Baltimore, and $17,800 from the Committee to Re-elect Catherine Pugh, the attorney’s office also said.

Pugh, who pleaded guilty in November 2019, apologized after her sentencing and indicated that she does not consider this to be her “last chapter.”

"The first thing I should do is apologize to the citizens of Baltimore, who put their faith and trust in me as their mayor," she said. "I will take those lessons with me. I will continue to listen, learn, and I don't think this is the last chapter for Catherine Pugh, and I look forward to regaining my strength, my zeal, my love for the people of this city."

Pugh became Baltimore's mayor in December 2016 and previously served in the state Senate. Gary Brown who worked with Pugh over the years in various capacities was also involved in the schemes.

Pugh admitted that from November 2011 until March 2019, she conspired with Brown to defraud purchasers of the “Healthy Holly” books to enrich themselves, promote Pugh’s political career, and fund her campaign for mayor, the attorney’s office also said.