Judge won't dismiss Lipscomb charges
Judge Dennis M. Sweeney denied Thursday Ronald H. Lipscomb's request to dismiss bribery charges that have been brought against him, meaning that his trial will likely go forward as planned in late June.
Lipscomb, a prominent Baltimore developer, has been charged with bribing City Councilwoman Helen L. Holton by paying for a $12,500 poll for her re-election in exchange for favorable votes on tax credits that came before her committee.
He was one of three indicted in January by the state prosecutor's office. Holton was indicted on charges of accepting that bribe.
Separately, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon was indicted on 12 counts including theft and perjury. All have said they are innocent. Attorneys for the three argued in late April that the charges against them should be dropped, but Sweeney ruled only on the case against Lipscomb. Lipscomb's attorney, Gerard P. Martin, could not be reached Thursday evening.
In refusing to throw out the case, Sweeney wrote: "It is clear to the court that the crime of bribery under Maryland law has been adequately charged."
Lipscomb had argued that the poll was a campaign contribution and should be viewed as constitutionally protected free speech.
It is unclear when Sweeney will rule on motions to dismiss the cases against Dixon and Holton.
Annie Linskey
Citation reversed in broken door incident
A spokesman for Mayor Sheila Dixon said the city will reverse a trash citation against a man who placed a front door in the backyard of his Medfield home after police broke it down during a raid on the wrong address.
The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday that Andrew Leonard, 33, was handcuffed Feb. 25 as police raided his home on a warrant listing a wrong address, then was rebuffed by the city and police in an attempt to be reimbursed for his broken door.
He called the city's bulk trash pickup to remove the door from his yard, only to receive a $50 citation. Leonard paid the fine, and Dixon spokesman Scott Peterson said the city's code enforcement department will refund his money.
Peterson said the city continues to explore additional remedies for the situation.
Justin Fenton
Finksburg woman dies in collision on Route 140
