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The Baltimore City Ethics Committee reportedly opened an investigation into Mayor Catherine Pugh, who recently announced a leave of absence.
The mayor's office announced Monday that she was leaving to devote herself to her health after suffering from pneumonia. This assertion follows claims that she would have received $ 500,000 from the UMMS (Medical System) of the University of Maryland, as part of what critics called a book sale "to personal character ".
CATHERINE PUGH, MAYOR OF BALTIMORE, TAKES AN INDEFINITE LEAVE OF ABSENCE BY MEANS OF THE CONTROVERSY OF THE BOOK
The city's ethics committee confirmed Wednesday to WBFF, a Fox affiliate, its decision to investigate whether Mr. Pugh, a Democrat, violated the ethical rules imposed by this deal.
Earlier this week, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, called on the state prosecutor to investigate allegations of insider crime from Pugh. State Comptroller Peter Franchot, a Democrat, urged the mayor to withdraw immediately.
Since 2011, Pugh has received $ 500,000 for the sale of books to UMMS, the Associated Press reported. The $ 4 billion hospital network, one of the largest private state employers, reportedly paid Pugh 100,000 copies of its books between 2011 and 2018.
Pugh, identified as the printer of its books, said it had only printed 60,000 copies and was out of order. She had recognized the sales of her book to UMMS and said they were to be distributed in schools and daycares in the city.
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At a press conference last week, Mr. Pugh described the contract with the university health system as "regrettable error" and apologized for "lack of confidence or disappointment" by citizens and their colleagues.
Baltimore deputy mayor and city council chairman Jack Young said on Tuesday that the city was "in good hands" until Pugh decided to resume his mandate. He pointed out that he only acted as a "substitute" for the mayor in conflict and that he was considering running for the presidency of the city council.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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