Gift card scandal could sink Baltimore mayor

[November 07, 2009]  BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore mayor Sheila Dixon is about to put her political future in the hands of a jury.

Dixon goes on trial Monday on theft charges. She's accused of hitting up her wealthy developer pals to donate thousands of dollars' worth of gift cards to needy families. Prosecutors say she used those gift cards for her personal shopping instead.

A plea deal would do Dixon no good. Under state law, she would be tossed out of office if convicted of any felony or misdemeanor related to her official duties.

Dixon answered a handful of questions about her trial in a meeting with reporters this week but declined additional interview requests. She says she has not given any thought to stepping down.

[Associated Press; By BEN NUCKOLS]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.