Former Democratic Lawmaker and Her Daughter Facing Federal Wire Fraud Charges

The daughter of a former Democratic state lawmaker in Maryland is accused of taking money from her mother’s campaign for personal use.

Anitra Edmond, who served as the campaign treasurer for her mother, former Maryland delegate Tawanna Gaines, was charged with federal wire fraud on Monday. The charge comes less than two weeks after Gaines pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Tawanna Gaines

Gaines, 67, resigned from the House of Delegates earlier this month after she was accused of misusing campaign funds. {snip}

The former lawmaker admitted to spending $22,000 in campaign donations on personal expenses, including an Amazon Fire TV Stick, a cover for her swimming pool, hair appointments, and dental work.

Edmond, 43, was the treasurer of “Friends of Tawanna P. Gaines,” the Prince George’s County Democrat’s campaign committee, since 2005, according to a court filing. The court documents do not detail how Edmond allegedly spent the funds she is accused of taking for her personal use.

The government plans to require her to forfeit at least $35,000 if she is convicted. Her arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 18.

{snip} She faces eight to 33 months in prison as part of her plea deal and is required to pay $22,500 in restitution.

She is the third Democratic state lawmaker from Prince George’s County to plead guilty or be convicted of misconduct in federal court since 2018, according to the Washington Post. {snip}