News Summary
Lawrence Smith, a ex-Baltimore City Schools Police Officer and football coach, has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and income tax evasion. Set to face up to 25 years in prison, Smith was found to have fraudulently claimed over $215,000 in taxpayer funds by logging false overtime hours. This case raises concerns over accountability within the Baltimore school system, especially as Smith continued to receive payments during his indictment period. Community members are watching closely as the school system decides whether to recover these funds.
Baltimore – Lawrence Smith, a former Baltimore City Schools Police Officer and head football coach, has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and income tax evasion as part of a plea deal reached in federal court. Smith is set to face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, although a judge will ultimately determine his sentence at a later date, with no sentencing date currently set.
The plea deal includes a forfeiture of at least $200,000 to the U.S. Government and $61,233 in restitution that Smith must pay to the IRS. Smith was arrested by the FBI in September 2023 after a detailed investigation uncovered that he had fraudulently logged overtime hours to claim more than $215,000 in taxpayer funds.
According to an investigation conducted by Project Baltimore, Smith recorded police overtime hours while engaging in personal activities, including boating, coaching, and vacationing. His activities directly contradict the responsibilities expected of a police officer, who should be serving the community during their paid hours. Interestingly, despite his indictment, Baltimore City Public Schools continued to pay Smith for almost a year while he was placed on administrative leave. During this time, he reportedly received around $93,000.
The continued payment raised eyebrows among community members and watchdog groups. City Schools later stated that, under Maryland law, they reserve the right to recoup any compensation based on the outcome of Smith’s case. This statement highlighted a concern regarding the proper use of taxpayer funds in the school system.
David Williams from the Taxpayer Protection Alliance criticized the situation, asserting that the ongoing payments to Smith sent the wrong message to taxpayers and students. The association with wrongdoing and the use of taxpayer money continue to raise questions about accountability within school systems.
Smith was known as a prominent figure in Baltimore, especially due to his involvement in high school football. He was celebrated for his achievements and was often seen in official capacities, including photographs with Mayor Brandon Scott and City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises after Dunbar won a state championship.
As Smith now confronts the legal repercussions of his actions, the community remains watchful regarding the Baltimore City Public Schools’ next steps concerning the compensation paid to him during his leave. Project Baltimore has sought clarity on whether the school system will attempt to recover the funds but has not received a response as of the publication date.
This case sheds light on broader issues of oversight and accountability within public institutions, especially as they deal with serious allegations against individuals in trusted positions. The outcomes of Smith’s sentencing and the potential recoupment of taxpayer money will likely have implications beyond this incident, signaling the need for a closer examination of policies and practices in managing public funds.
As the legal process unfolds, the community’s reaction and the decisions made by the Baltimore City Public Schools will be critical in shaping public trust and accountability in local governance.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Marilyn Mosby’s Mortgage Fraud Case
- Fox Baltimore: Court Reverses Marilyn Mosby Mortgage Fraud Conviction
- The Banner: Marilyn Mosby Appeal
- Baltimore Sun: NY Attorney General James Mortgage Fraud Case
- Washington Post: Marilyn Mosby Baltimore Fraud Appeal
- Wikipedia: Mortgage Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mortgage Fraud
- Google Search: Marilyn Mosby
- Google Scholar: Marilyn Mosby
- Google News: Marilyn Mosby
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The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
