Former mayor of Baltimore Catherine Pugh was sentenced to federal prison for her role in a fraudulent scheme to defraud taxpayers, a scheme which involved children’s books. Pugh authored a series of books designed to highlight healthy physical activity. However, the popularity of her books was not due to typical sales streams like retail purchases or social media. Rather, Pugh orchestrated large-scale purchases through partnerships involving healthcare institutions over which she had political control and/or influence, including BlueCross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and The University of Maryland Medical System.

This massive conflict of interest was already inherently problematic, but Pugh was found guilty of fraudulently billing for thousands of books that were never actually delivered. In her ruling, US District Judge Deborah Chasanow found it ironic how many Pugh supporters lauded her trusted reputation in the community as pleas for leniency came in. “It was precisely that reputation for good work that enabled her to commit those offenses.” Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott called the sentencing “a somber moment,” that reminds him that “as elected officials, we have one job: to serve the people, period.”

Possible Preaching Angle:

Those in positions of leadership are there to serve the rest of the community; God is angered when people take advantage of their positions for their own selfish gain.