2 of 7 counts dismissed in Baltimore mayor’s theft trial; judge denies arguement for mistrial

2 counts dropped in Baltimore mayor’s theft trial

BALTIMORE — Two of the seven charges against Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon are being dropped.

A judge dismissed the charges Tuesday during the mayor’s theft trial. Prosecutors claim Dixon used gift cards intended for the needy for personal shopping sprees.

The judge says there is not enough evidence to proceed with charges related to gift cards provided by the mayor’s former boyfriend, developer Ronald Lipscomb. Charges related to gift cards provided by another developer still stand.

Dixon’s lawyers argued for a mistrial, saying jurors won’t be able to ignore evidence presented in the dropped charges. The judge denied the mistrial argument.