Baltimore mayor quits over gift-card scandal

BALTIMORE - Mayor Sheila Dixon resigned yesterday as part of a deal with prosecutors, ending a three-year tenure that began with promise but unraveled amid embarrassing allegations that she stole from the poor.

Dixon, 56, was convicted last month of misappropriating about $500 in gift cards donated to the city for needy families during her time as City Council president. Had she not agreed to step down, she could have been ousted from office.

Yesterday, she pleaded guilty to a perjury charge for failing to disclose thousands of dollars in gifts from her ex-boyfriend, a developer who received tax breaks from the city. She entered an Alford plea, meaning she admits there is enough evidence to convict her but does not acknowledge guilt.

Dixon's voice wavered as she thanked her staff, but she did not apologize for her actions.

"I take responsibility for some of the choices that I made," Dixon said. "I think I've disappointed myself to some degree, and I think I've disappointed citizens."

In exchange for her plea, prosecutors and Judge Dennis M. Sweeney agreed that Dixon will receive probation before judgment on both counts, meaning the convictions will be wiped off her record if she complies with several conditions, including a $45,000 charitable contribution and 500 hours of community service.

Dixon will also be barred from seeking employment with the city or state during her probation, which will last at least two years and up to four. She can run for public office again after her probation ends.

The deal also allows her to keep her city pension, which she would have had to forfeit with a conviction on her record. The Baltimore Sun reported that the pension was worth $83,000, but the figure couldn't immediately be confirmed.

"This is a result that makes a lot of sense for Miss Dixon and the city of Baltimore," said Arnold M. Weiner, her lead attorney.

Dixon had a trial in November that dealt with allegations that she had stolen gift cards intended for needy families. Her trial on two counts of perjury was scheduled for March.

In pleading guilty to perjury, she acknowledged that prosecutors would present evidence that she had received thousands of dollars in cash, fur coats, travel and other gifts from Ronald H. Lipscomb, whom she dated for less than a year beginning in late 2003.

Dixon did not report any gifts from Lipscomb despite a requirement that she do so.