Ronald Lipscomb

{Thanks, Baltimore Sun}

Ronald Lipscomb the prominent city developer at the center of two scandals that have rocked Baltimore’s City Hall today pleaded guilty to one charge of violating campaign finance laws, in a plea deal arranged with the Maryland State Prosecutor’s office.

Lipscomb was due to stand trial on bribery charges. Prosecutors had alleged that he tried to bribe Baltimore City Councilwoman Helen Holton by paying $12, 500 for a poll she had commissioned, which looked into her reelection chances.

They had said that Lipscomb paid the fee in order to get tax breaks on a project he was developing the Harbor East neighborhood.

A judge threw out the charges against Holton last week, but prosecutors signaled last Wednesday that they would likely appeal that decision when the filed paperwork to that affect.

When it comes to Mayor Sheila Dixon prosecutors had said Dixon failed to disclose trips she took which were paid for by Lipscomb, and gifts she received, thereby committing perjury. Those charges were dropped.

Lipscomb had been described as the mayor’s former boyfriend.

Lipscomb was never accused of any wrongdoing with regards to his relationship with Dixon.

The conclusion of this case could close at least one chapter in the ongoing City Hall saga.

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