Md. Delegate Vaughn Convicted of Bribery, Conspiracy

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury has convicted former Maryland State Delegate Michael L. Vaughn, 60, of Bowie, Maryland, on charges of bribery and conspiracy.

According to the Justice Department USAO, Vaughn was a Maryland State Delegate from January 2003 until January 2017. He represented District 24, which included parts of Prince George’s County. Vaughn also served as the Deputy Majority Whip and was a senior member of the Economic Matters Committee.

The evidence at trial showed that Vaughn conspired with liquor store owners to exchange favorable legislation for cash payments. The former delegate took over $15,000 in bribes in exchange for supporting laws allowing Sunday sales permits in Prince George’s County.

These bills increased the number of Sunday liquor sales permits from 100 to 105. Vaughn voted in favor of these measures multiple times, both in committee and on the House floor.

Vaughn now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for each of four counts of bribery and five years for the conspiracy count. No sentencing date has been scheduled as of yet.

Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the FBI, IRS-CI, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their roles in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Windom and Phil Selden prosecuted the case, with Menaka S. Kalaskar providing assistance.