April 15, 2016 : Chairperson and Treasurer of State Delegate’s Campaign Finance Committee Charged With Felony Theft

For Immediate Release                                                                        

CHAIRPERSON AND TREASURER OF STATE DELEGATE’S CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMMITTEE CHARGED WITH FELONY THEFT

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt announced today that Mary Murphy, Chairperson of the campaign finance committee “Friends of Michael A. Jackson” and her daughter Damiana Murphy, Treasurer of that same committee were charged in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County with six counts of felony theft, one count of conspiracy to commit theft, one count of misappropriation by a fiduciary and an election law violation. The charges allege that, between April 29, 2014 and September 27, 2015, Mary Murphy and Damiana Murphy used campaign funds for personal expenses. The total amount of the alleged thefts is just over $22,000.00. Delegate Michael A. Jackson of Prince George’s County referred this matter to the State Prosecutor’s Office after becoming aware that the campaign account was overdrawn.

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt stated: “No campaign finance officer can possibly be unaware that campaign funds may not be converted to the personal use of a candidate or officer. Misuse or theft of campaign funds simply cannot be tolerated. ”

Although charged, the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until there is a conviction.