University of Maryland Medical System Scandal Leads to Plea Deal for Former Baltimore Mayor

Last week former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh pled guilty to four counts of conspiracy and tax evasion relating to her self-published books series, Healthy Holly. Concerns arose about her sales of the books when it was reported that the University of Maryland Medical System had agreed to pay $500,000 to buy them when Mayor Pugh was on the UMMS board. Details of the federal charges brought against Mayor Pugh can be found in the DOJ press release announcing her indictment. The actual indictment is available here.

The Baltimore Sun has provided extensive, in-depth coverage of not only Mayor Pugh’s dealings but also other apparent governance lapses at UMMS, including:

• Other transactions with board members.
• Disregard of term limits for board service.
• Complaints from state auditors that UMMS has “hindered” their investigation.

The scandal has led to the Maryland governor appointing 11 new members to the board, the resignation of four executives, and additional, state-imposed governance requirements, including public financial disclosures by board members.

Additional coverage: N.Y. TimesWashington Post.

Lloyd Mayer