Former Mayor Catherine Pugh Sentenced to 3 years behind Bars

Former Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh, center, and her attorney Steven Silverman, right, arrive for a sentencing hearing at U.S. District Court in Baltimore on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. Pugh pleaded guilty in 2019 to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

BALTIMORE (WBFF)-- Former Mayor Catherine Pugh was sentenced Thursday to 3 years behind bars for a scheme involving the sale of her children's book, Healthy Holly.

She plead guilty in November to federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of tax evasion. The charges all stem from the so-called “Healthy Holly” scandal, which first broke in February of 2019.

The Healthy Holly books were written and published between 2011 and August of 2017, and were sold directly to non-profits and foundations that either did business, or were seeking to do business with either the State of Maryland, or Baltimore City. The indictment reports that Pugh enlisted the help of Gary Brown, Jr., a legislative aide who later followed Pugh to Baltimore City Hall following her election in December of 2016, to help in promoting and distributing the books.

At her sentencing hearing Prosecutors took the floor first, describing the FBI raid of the former Mayor's home and what they found. They say she used money from the Healthy Holly books to remodel her kitchen. They say she lied to the press about her book deal with UMMS to the press.

The prosecutor asked the judge for nearly five years in prison.

Pugh's Lawyer Steve Silverman claims she was a “champion of youth education” for helping lower the student drop out rate. Attorney said they have dozens of letters of support from neighbors and citizens re how she helped the community.

Her lawyer said she wrote the book for the right reason, but it got away from her. He said for the past year she has been a self-imposed prisoner in her own home

Pugh attorney summarized arguments saying Pugh is now left with no home, no money, no spouse or children to fall back on. He also cited her age as a reason for the judge to be lenient. Pugh will turn 70 in March.

Pugh took the stand apologetic and fighting back tears saying, "Your honor I did not want to take my city through anymore shame as a result of my own actions, no one is more disappointed than me."

Fighting back tears she said she stands here today because she’s guilty. Says she hasn’t forgiven herself yet but believes she can get there and will do everything she can to piece her life back together.

Judge said: These crimes evolved and did what was necessary to continue its success. She notes Pugh did not have a criminal history. Other sentencing factors, she says, include the history and character of defendant, Catherine Pugh.

Judge Chasanow said, “This was not a tiny lapse of judgement. This became a very large fraud” before handing down the sentence of three years behind bars, followed by three years of probation.

The Judge also sentenced the former Mayor to pay restitution in the amount of $400,000 to UMMS, $11,948 to MD Automobile Insurance Fund.

Forfeiture includes $669,688 which includes the 3413 Ellamont Road property and $17,800 in the bank account of the Committee to Elect Catherine E. Pugh.