Former Prince George’s County Council member Mel Franklin has been sentenced to a year in prison for felony theft and perjury, having transferred funds from his campaign account for personal use. Franklin, who resigned unexpectedly in June 2024 after a 14-year council tenure, used campaign funds for expenses such as travel, hotel stays, and cosmetic procedures for himself and a friend. Judge Mark Crooks sentenced him to five years, suspending all but one year, followed by three years of probation. Franklin must repay $133,168.67 in three installments to be donated to the Excellence in Education Foundation for Prince George’s County Public Schools.
State Prosecutor Charlton Howard praised the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of accountability among elected officials. Prosecutors pointed to Franklin’s past DUI incident in 2016 as evidence of continued misconduct. Defense argued that Franklin, who had lost his mother during the period of the crimes, had already suffered significant personal consequences, including damage to his reputation and loss of his law license. Franklin expressed remorse before sentencing.
From 2020 to late 2023, Franklin embezzled more than $124,000 from his campaign, “Friends of Mel Franklin,” using it for personal expenses including rent and loan payments. Although Maryland law requires candidates to have treasurers manage campaign funds, Franklin was solely responsible for his committee’s finances since 2010. Additional charges alleged he misused an additional $8,718 for similar personal expenses. Franklin is scheduled to report to prison on November 29, 2024.
