Where Mel Franklin (reportedly) got the money

Campaign finance information from 2020 to 2022 shows donations from construction and real estate industry PACs as well as thousands of dollars of loan repayments

State prosecutors charged Mel Franklin, former Prince George’s County Councilmember (D-At Large), with multiple felony financial crime charges related to campaign finance on June 20, 2024. The charging document alleges that Franklin stole more than $120,000 from his campaign accounts to cover personal expenses, including debt payments, cosmetic procedures, and hotel stays. It also alleges that Franklin inaccurately reported loans and bank cash balances as well as contributions and expenditures. Franklin resigned on June 14, 2024.

Maryland Matters coverage, Washington Post coverage

To have campaign dollars available for theft, donations must flow into the campaign account. State records reveal contributors who believed they were supporting Franklin’s political campaign, only to allegedly have their money stolen by the candidate himself. Franklin filed his last campaign finance report in January 2023. While the campaign finance reports may not be accurate, Route One Finance has analyzed what information is available and compiled searchable donor lists for individuals and companies.