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Baltimore Watchdog Says Mayor’s Office Broke P-Card Rules as Suit Seeks Subpoena Authority

The inspector general paired the findings with a lawsuit seeking court affirmation of subpoena power and operational independence.

Overview

  • An OIG review of purchases from July 2022 to November 2025 found 336 transactions without required Bureau of Procurement waivers totaling $167,455.06.
  • Most flagged charges were for food or catering, including about $52,589 spent on food and beverages in mayoral suites at Orioles and Ravens games.
  • The report cites prohibited or unapproved spending and urges bank-level controls and supervisor alerts for declined charges to deter improper or split transactions.
  • The inspector general filed a Baltimore Circuit Court lawsuit alleging officials blocked access to records and seeking a ruling that OIG subpoenas are enforceable.
  • The mayor’s office disputed the characterization, emphasizing the inspector general found no deliberate misuse and saying staff acted in good faith.