Marilyn Mosby Ordered to Forfeit Longboat Key Condo by Federal Judge

In a significant ruling, a federal judge has ordered former Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby to forfeit her condominium located in Longboat Key, Florida. The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby during a hearing held on May 23, 2024.

The judge's ruling followed a motion from prosecutors, who argued that Mosby could not have purchased the property without the fraudulent $5,000 gift letter that led to her conviction for making false statements on her mortgage application. Griggsby determined that since 10% of the condo's purchase price was funded by the down payment associated with the fraudulent mortgage, Mosby would retain only that portion of the property's appreciated value.

Mosby acquired the condo in early 2021 for $476,000, and it is currently estimated to be worth approximately $886,084. The judge's ruling means that 90% of the condo's appreciated value would be forfeited to the government.

During the hearing, Mosby's attorney, Maggie Grace, argued that the forfeiture was excessive, particularly in light of the $5,000 gift letter’s role in the mortgage process. Grace contended that the letter was intended to expedite the closing process and did not definitively prove that Mosby would not have secured the mortgage without it.

However, prosecutors maintained that Mosby was the primary actor in the fraudulent activities and that the vast majority of the condo was purchased with proceeds from her criminal actions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Williamson emphasized that without the fraudulent gift letter, Mosby would not have been able to obtain the mortgage.

Judge Griggsby dismissed Mosby's counsel's argument regarding the 8th Amendment, stating that while the lender may not have suffered harm, the public was significantly impacted due to Mosby's position as an elected official at the time of the offenses.

In addition to the forfeiture ruling, Mosby was sentenced to 12 months of home confinement and three years of supervised release following her convictions for perjury and mortgage fraud. She is expected to appeal the forfeiture order.

Reported by HarborBeat based on Maryland Daily Record (source).