Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon Resolves Probation Violations

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon was back in court Friday morning, facing accusations that she's been violating terms of her probation.

Alex DeMetrickk has more on this morning's court appearance.

Dixon could have found her freedom in jeopardy, but at the last minute managed to meet the final terms of her probation.

She last came to court in 2010, accepting a plea deal that kept her out of jail after being convicted of perjury and theft charges.

Baltimore's former mayor was ordered back Friday because one of the requirements of that plea deal was to pay $45,000 to charity.

"Because restitution had been in arrears. Ms. Dixon was behind in restitution and hadn't paid on a monthly basis," said Emmet Davitt, prosecutor.

But just as the hearing was about to begin, state prosecutors were informed Dixon has sent two checks to the probation department, completing the $45,000 payment.

And using the skills gained while running a city, she fulfilled  over 500 hours of community service work. She helped with job training at Our Daily Bread, tutored men at Christoper's Place and mentored at-risk girls at Agape House.

The money and service meets all the needs of her probation.

"I want it behind me. You fall from grace from people, but you can't fall from grace from God," Dixon said.

The only hurdle left for Dixon is for her last two checks to clear.

"What was represented in court was that there were cashier's checks. We certainly anticipate they will clear, but  I think the court wisely wanted to wait and make sure everything officially cleared before terminating probation," Davitt said.

That will mean Dixon is free of the legal system.

Why Dixon fell behind in her payments and how several thousand dollars were found to clear the $45,000 obligation were not revealed in court.

The judge will sign the papers formally terminating Dixon's probation once those checks clear.