By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The Prince George’s County Council recently released two dates for special elections to replace former Council Member Jamel “Mel” Franklin who resigned on June 14.
“After nearly 14 years of service, At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin has resigned his position. Franklin served two terms representing District 9 beginning in December 2010, before being elected twice as an At-Large Council Member,” said Jennifer A. Jenkins, Prince George’s County Council administrator, in a statement on June 14. “We thank Council Member Franklin for his years of dedication, hard work and service.”
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Prince George’s County Government
“We are committed to a smooth transition for the benefit of our residents,” she continued.
The special primary election is set for Aug. 6 and the special general election is on Nov. 5. Prospective applicants must file a certificate of candidacy with the Prince George’s County Board of Elections by July 5.
On June 20, about a week after Franklin resigned, Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III announced that charges were filed in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County against Franklin with multiple counts of felony theft scheme, perjury and embezzlement.
“Our office strives to hold individuals in positions of public trust accountable if they violate that trust and exploit the Maryland electoral process for personal financial gain,” said Howard in a statement on June 20.
According to the document, Franklin is accused of embezzling $124,450 from the Friends of Mel Franklin campaign committee account from 2020 through October 2023. Franklin allegedly used the funds to pay for personal subscriptions, credit card debt, personal loans and cosmetic procedures for himself and a friend.
According to the charges, from 2021 through December 18, 2023, Franklin was in a similar scheme embezzling $8,719 from the campaign account to third parties to pay for Franklin’s personal expenses.
Franklin allegedly falsified information on campaign finance reports filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections instead of reporting the expenses described in the document.
The AFRO reached out to Franklin for comment but did not receive a response.
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