Jury begins deliberations in Baltimore mayor’s theft and misconduct trial

Jury begins deliberations in Baltimore mayor trial

BALTIMORE — The jury is deliberating in the theft and misconduct trial of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon.

Defense attorney Arnold Weiner drew applause Thursday from Dixon supporters and occasional laughter from the crowd as he mocked the state’s case during closing arguments. Weiner described Dixon as an honest woman of faith and dedication who received hundreds of dollars worth of Target and Best Buy gift cards as an anonymous personal gift.

Prosecutors claim Dixon used gift cards intended for the needy for personal shopping sprees.

Dixon faces five charges. A judge previously ruled there was not enough evidence to proceed with two charges related to gift cards provided by the mayor’s former boyfriend.