Baltimore, Maryland: Former Treasurer for Del. Luke Clippinger Charged With Stealing $87,155 in Campaign Funds

Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III announced on Thursday, Nov. 5, that a criminal information has been filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County charging Melissa Ann Smith with felony theft scheme, embezzlement and perjury. Smith served as treasurer of Friends of Luke Clippinger, the campaign finance committee for Del. Luke Clippinger, a Democrat who represents Downtown, South and Southeast Baltimore in the Maryland General Assembly and chairs the House Judiciary Committee.

Eight years of checks, prosecutors say

The charges allege that from February 2018 through at least December 2025, Smith embezzled $87,155.33 from the Friends of Luke Clippinger bank account by writing checks to herself and electronically depositing the checks into her personal bank accounts. Prosecutors say she did this without the knowledge or approval of the candidate. The Baltimore Banner, citing the complaint, reported that Smith wrote herself dozens of checks over the eight year span.

The criminal information also alleges that Smith hid the payments in the paperwork. Prosecutors say she failed to disclose the expenses on the required campaign finance reports that she prepared, signed under penalties of perjury and filed with the State Board of Elections.

"Treasurers of campaign finance committees have an important role in ensuring funds raised to support a political candidate are used to benefit the purpose of the campaign," Howard said in the statement announcing the charges. "Our Office strives to hold individuals in positions of public trust in the electoral process accountable if they violate that trust for personal financial gain."

Clippinger reported her in January

Clippinger reported Smith to the state prosecutor in January after learning there were questionable withdrawals from his account, according to Maryland Matters reporting cited by the Banner. He replaced Smith with Sophia Silbergeld, a longtime Democratic fundraiser. Reached by text, Clippinger declined to comment because of the open case, and said he has provided information to the prosecutor's office when requested, the Banner reported. Clippinger won reelection on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and also serves as an assistant state's attorney for Anne Arundel County.

Smith did not respond to a voicemail left on a phone number listed to her, the Banner reported. If convicted, she could face prison time or fines up to $15,000, the Banner reported. The charges are allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.