Former Campaign Treasurer Charged in $87,000 Theft Scheme
Prosecutors accuse a Baltimore official’s former treasurer of writing herself checks over eight years while signing false financial reports.
By Adrian Parker ·
Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard, III filed felony charges against Melissa Ann Smith on Wednesday. The complaint alleges Smith stole more than $87,000 from the campaign account of Del. Luke Clippinger between 2018 and 2025. The charges include theft scheme, embezzlement, and perjury in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
According to court documents, Smith wrote herself dozens of checks over that eight-year period. She deposited the funds into her personal account and did not list the transactions on required campaign finance disclosures. The complaint states she signed those reports under penalty of perjury despite the missing entries.
Howard said the office aims to hold individuals in positions of public trust accountable when they violate that trust for personal financial gain. He noted that treasurers have a critical role in ensuring campaign funds are used for the intended political purpose. Smith did not respond to a voicemail left on a phone number listed in public records.
Clippinger, a Democrat representing Downtown, South, and Southeast Baltimore, declined to comment due to the open case. He confirmed by text that he has provided information to the prosecutor’s office when requested. Online news site Maryland Matters reported that Clippinger first reported Smith to the prosecutor in January after noticing questionable withdrawals.
Clippinger replaced Smith with Sophia Silbergeld, a longtime Democratic fundraiser. Clippinger won reelection to the General Assembly on Tuesday. He also serves as an assistant state’s attorney for Anne Arundel County. If convicted, Smith faces potential prison time and fines of up to $15,000.
The case remains pending in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. No trial date has been set.
