(Click on the image for the report)
By Fenit Nirappil and Ovetta WigginsA Prince George’s liquor commissioner accused of accepting bribes resigned his post on Friday, and Gov. Larry Hogan (R) called for reforming Maryland’s system of regulating alcohol sales, which he called “antiquated” and “without oversight.”
Commissioner Anuj Sud was one of four people charged Thursday in a long-running federal corruption investigation, along with two business owners and the administrator of the liquor board. Prosecutors say more people will be charged in connection with the case, including a former elected official and a state lawmaker, whose names have not been released.
Prosecutors say Sud accepted bribes from a lawyer representing restaurants and liquor stores with business before the Prince George’s Board of License Commissioners. The state-appointed panel wields significant power over the finances of around 600 business outlets in the county by authorizing alcohol sales, issuing fines for rule-breakers and suspending or revoking licenses in response to serious infractions. [Read the entire report by clicking on the image]
[The Post links to the actual charging documents are here and here. Statement of County Executive Baker Regarding FBI Raids and Arrests.]