Awww. One of the Maryland lawmakers responsible for derailing marriage equality in that state has been as charged with embezzling campaign funds "in part to pay for her [own] wedding," reports the Washington Post.
Del. Tiffany T. Alston, 34, a little-known freshman state lawmaker before this spring, is charged with writing herself checks and cashing them to pay for at least $3,560 in expenses for her wedding day. According to the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, she also wrote herself checks to help pay the salary of an employee in her law firm.
Alston’s wedding, attended by some fellow lawmakers and sorority sisters, was derided this spring by some gay activists. With whispers and shrugs outside Annapolis hearing rooms, some said it was ironic that so close to the celebration of her own nuptials a lawmaker reversed course and opposed letting gays marry in Maryland.
Among other charges detailed Friday in a five-count indictment filed in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, Alston faces a charge of felony theft, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. She also is charged with one count of misdemeanor theft, one count of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary and two election law violations. The misdemeanor charge also carries a potential 18-month prison term.
The Democrat initially co-sponsored the marriage equality bill but later opposed it "for [her] constituents." When the bill was in committee, Alston and another delegate literally ran from the hearing room to delay the vote.
Reap, sow, pot, kettle. Lather, rinse, repeat.
