State prosecutors dropped all charges against the former campaign treasurer of Baltimore City Council Member Paula Johnson Branch, as a day of dramatic testimony by the council member lead to speculation that her contradictory statements under oath might lead to a new investigation into the alleged embezzlement of campaign funds.
As Momoh Abu Conteh wept in the court room, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Steven Trostle said the state did not have evidence to proceed with a case that alleged Conteh embezzled funds from Johnson?s campaign. Later, State Prosecutor Robert Rohrbaugh said the case was dropped due to Branch?s testimony.
“The indictment of Momoh Conteh was based upon sworn testimony taken before the Anne Arundel grand jury. When a witness substantially changes their testimony, the state has an ethical obligation to drop the case,” Rohrbaugh said.
The announcement came after Branch made statements during cross examination that undermined the state?s case.
Under close questioning by Conteh?s attorney, Steven Silverman, Branch admitted it was possible Conteh had sent the money to state Sen. Nathaniel McFadden?s campaign at her direction.
“So it is possible you could have directed Mr. Conteh to send the check,” Silverman, referring to a $2,000 check written for cash that the state alleged Conteh had stolen.
“It?s possible,” Branch answered, prompting both sides to approach the bench and the court to recess.
Conteh was charged in November 2005 with embezzling $2,000 from Branch?s campaign fund. The charges were based on Branch?s testimony to an Anne Arundel County grand jury in which she claimed no knowledge of the $2,000. But Conteh?s lawyers countered that Branch told Conteh to write the check that prosecutors alleged he cashed and pocketed.
“They?ve dropped the case because of contradictory testimony by the councilwoman,” argued Andrew White, one of Conteh?s attorneys.
Rohrbaugh said his office is considering sending the case back to the grand jury.
