Baltimore Mayor Withholds Status of Employees Facing Misconduct Charges
Mayor Brandon Scott declined to disclose the employment or pay status of city officials facing federal fraud indictments and misconduct allegations.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declined to disclose the current employment status or pay of city employees facing serious misconduct allegations and federal charges. The officials under scrutiny include Deputy City Administrator Shamiah Kerney and Kara DiPietro of the Department of General Services, along with a third unnamed official.
Shamiah Kerney was the subject of two Office of the Inspector General reports. One report detailed the solicitation of a personal home permit favor and the sending of profane messages to coworkers, while a second alleged she blocked the watchdog's access to records. Kara DiPietro faces six federal bank-fraud counts for allegedly defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program of more than $2.5 million.
Mayor Scott stated that the city will take "any appropriate action" and that employees must meet the "highest standards." However, he cited the risk of lawsuits and the nature of open personnel issues as reasons for not confirming if the individuals remain on the city payroll. The administration is also facing questions regarding an unauthorized letter sent to a judge by one of the officials.
