November 7, 2017: Former Employee of Historic Inns of Annapolis Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft of State Delegate’s Campaign Funds and Identity Theft

 For Immediate Release                                                                      

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt announced today that Nicole M. Smith, a resident of District Heights, Maryland, and former employee of Historic Inns of Annapolis, pleaded guilty in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County to felony theft scheme between $10,000 and $100,000 and identity fraud.

According to a statement of facts read into the record (see Statement of Facts), Ms. Smith admitted to making unauthorized electronic withdrawals from the campaign finance funds of the Friends of Sally Jameson to pay her personal expenses. Between January 7, 2016 and October 26, 2016, Ms. Smith stole approximately $10,806.38. In addition, Ms. Smith assumed the identity of another without their consent and fraudulently opened credit accounts in their name for her own use and benefit. By fraudulently using the personal identifying information of another, Ms. Smith made approximately $7,346.56 in personal purchases.

The Honorable Michele D. Jaklitsch sentenced the Defendant to ten years’ incarceration, and suspended the sentence in favor of five years of supervised probation. She also ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $10,806.38.

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt stated: “Theft of another’s identity is a growing crime trend that often crosses jurisdictional lines. Because of the devastating impact of identity theft on the lives of its victims, the State Prosecutor’s Office will vigorously continue to investigate and prosecute such crimes.”

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