Feb 17, 2009 6:51 pm US/Eastern
WJZ Talks Exclusively To Dixon About Indictment
Reporting
Adam May
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Mayor Sheila Dixon sat down with WJZ for her first extensive one-on-one interview since facing criminal charges.
CBS
Mayor Sheila Dixon fights back. In her first extensive interview since facing criminal charges, Dixon claims the case against her is a witch-hunt. She also gets emotional, claiming she is embarrassed.
Adam May has the exclusive interview.
"People are quick to judge. They don't have all the facts," Mayor Sheila Dixon said.
Dixon repeatedly told
Eyewitness News the allegations are false.
One of the allegations in the indictment is that Dixon stole gift cards for needy children.
Dixon says she was hurt when she heard.
"I was floored by that because I have done so many initiatives and efforts where we worked with the needy," said Dixon. "So I was very bothered and that hurt, and particularly because I know it's not true. Now, I can't go into details because it has to go through the legal process, but in the end I know the truth will come out."
The charges are perjury, misconduct and taking lavish gifts and trips from a prominent city developer. Dixon, a Democrat, thinks the prosecutor, a Republican, is out to get her.
"This particular prosecutor has been at me a number of years. In some circles, I was told it was intentional," she said.
WJZ's May asked Dixon more about that.
May: "You've called it a witch-hunt.
Dixon: I believe that it is, and I know that it is.
May: Is it partisan?
Dixon: I think that has something to do with it.
May: What would you ask the people of Baltimore to keep in mind as they watch your legal situation play out?
Dixon: Keep an open mind and not base it on the prosecutor."
Beyond that she won't discuss specifics, instead staying focused on the job. But she admits it's been tough.
May: "Do you ever get emotional over this job?
Dixon: Of course, definitely. I'm a woman, I get very emotional.
May: Following the indictment, I heard you actually broke down in tears in front of some of your staffers. What had you so emotional at that time?
Dixon: One, surprise this has happened. Two, a little embarrassed they have to go through this with me.
Adam: Why is it embarrassing?
Dixon: Because they're going to be judged as well. They work for me. Put yourself in a situation where your boss has been accused, and you're working to build a city.
Adam: Is it frustrating?
Dixon: It concerns me, but it doesn't control me."
Dixon faces up to 85 years in prison if convicted. The mother of two did not mention that possibility when asked about her future.
"I really want to do the best job I can in this position, make sure my son and daughter are successful and get to the point where I can relax and say I have done well under challenging circumstances," she said.
The mayor's trial date has not yet been set.
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