Marilyn Mosby, a former Baltimore City state’s attorney, will soon get a verdict in the second of two federal trials that will alter the course of her life.
In 2015, the 44-year-old became the youngest state attorney for a large metropolis. Marilyn Mosby was propelled into the national limelight just months later when she headed a contentious inquiry that resulted in the charging of six Baltimore City police officers in Freddie Gray’s murder.
The former Baltimore prosecutor is now awaiting the decision in a federal mortgage fraud trial in Greenbelt, Maryland, which ended on February 1. Marilyn Mosby has been accused by federal authorities on seven counts of making false statements to two mortgage firms during Florida real estate transactions.
Marilyn Mosby took the stand to testify in her own defense on January 31 and February 1. When her counsel questioned why she was willing to testify in the second of two trials in Florida concerning using false representations to gain real estate, she said, “I regret not testifying before, and I want this jury to hear my truth,” according to court recordings.
Mosby was found guilty of two counts of perjury in her first trial before a U.S. District Court in November for fraudulently alleging COVID-19 problems while withdrawing $40,000 and $50,000 from her deferred compensation fund.
Mosby’s second trial centers on real estate fraud allegations related to the acquisitions of a property in Kissimmee, Florida, in September 2020 and a condominium in Longboat Key, Florida, in February 2021.
Prosecutors claimed Mosby lied on the mortgage application for the Florida homes, claiming she had no tax due, one of seven alleged false claims made on the paperwork to get the Florida house and condo.
During her testimony, Mosby discussed her rise to power as one of the country’s youngest state attorneys when she was elected in November 2013, as well as a tumultuous period in her marriage to City Council President Nick Mosby, who testified for the defense in the second trial.
Nick Mosby, the defendant’s ex-husband, testified that he lied about the couple’s tax liability, stating he negotiated an installment arrangement to repay the bill. He also stated publicly that the $45,000 tax debt had been “taken care of” during a news conference following his election as Baltimore City Council chairman in November 2020.
Marilyn Mosby filed for divorce from Nick Mosby in July 2023, following 17 years of marriage. The pair published a joint statement following the filing, saying: “After great contemplation and much prayer, we have chosen to dissolve our marriage. “Our commitment to our family and community is unwavering.”
The divorce was completed in November 2023.
Mosby stated on the second day of hearing that her mortgage broker had completed the necessary documents to acquire the two Florida residences. She indicated that she was unskilled with real estate transactions and depended on the mortgage broker to finish the paperwork. “My Easy Mortgage populated it,” she claimed of the mortgage paperwork, which authorities allege includes multiple false assertions, including the concealment of a tax liability.
Mosby supporters from Baltimore packed the Greenbelt courthouse for the second trial.
“Spending a few days at the trial was an educational experience for myself and my many supporters,” said Baltimore resident Hakki Ammi.
“Marilyn took the stand and expressed that she had been misled by the mortgage broker,” she said.
The result of the second trial is due next week, perhaps on February 5.
Mosby’s supporters will be in the Greenbelt courthouse on February 5, ready for whatever happens.
Buses will leave New Shiloh Baptist Church, 2100 N. Monroe St. in Baltimore, for the Greenbelt federal courtroom at 8:30 a.m. and return at noon. “Lawyers, churches, and civic organizations should be there to monitor this case. Ammi stated that there needs to be a significant turnout of supporters.
