Who is Marilyn Mosby?
Marilyn Mosby is a well-known lawyer or politician, depending on who you ask. At 35 years old, she became Baltimore's first female State's Attorney while simultaneously being the youngest. As a progressive Democrat, she made criminal justice reform a top priority and immediately gained national recognition for her controversial decision to charge six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray.
Mosby's early life was challenging. She resided in a tough Boston neighborhood with her parents and six siblings. Her mother worked multiple jobs to support the family, and her father struggled with addiction. Despite these obstacles, Mosby excelled in school and went on to graduate from Tuskegee University and Boston College Law School.
After graduating from law school, Mosby worked as a prosecutor in Baltimore City. In 2015, she was elected State's Attorney, making her the youngest person to hold the position and the first woman. Mosby quickly implemented several reforms, including creating a Conviction Integrity Unit to review wrongful convictions and a Community Engagement Division to improve relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Mosby's most well-known case involved the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died in police custody in 2015. Mosby's decision to charge six police officers in Gray's death was controversial and led to riots and protests in Baltimore. The officers were eventually acquitted, but Mosby's actions sparked a national debate about police accountability.
Mosby has also been involved in several other high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Keith Davis Jr., a Baltimore police officer who was convicted of murdering a man in 2015. Mosby's record as State's Attorney has been mixed. Her supporters praise her for her commitment to criminal justice reform, and her critics argue that she has been too lenient on crime.
In 2021, Mosby was indicted on federal charges of perjury and making false statements. The charges stemmed from Mosby's alleged failure to disclose outside income on her loan applications. Mosby has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and her trial is scheduled to begin in September 2022.
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Mosby remains a popular figure in Baltimore. She is known for her intelligence, ambition, and charisma. She is also a role model for women and people of color who aspire to careers in law and politics.