District 7A Delegate Kathy Szeliga released the following statement after federal authorities announced charges against James Phillip Appel:
“Today’s indictment confirms what many of us suspected. As a trusted professional, political, and commercial treasurer, James Appel exploited that trust and stole from the very people he was hired to serve. It’s a betrayal beyond words.
“I am one of the victims in this case. Like others, I relied on him to handle campaign finances honestly and transparently. Instead, he allegedly diverted and embezzled funds that were contributed in good faith by hardworking Marylanders, who are also victims of his alleged crimes.
“I am grateful to the hard-working federal agents, the FBI, and the federal prosecutors for their thorough investigation and for bringing these charges forward. Accountability matters. The integrity of our elections and campaign finance system matters.
“No one is above the law. And when trust and the law are broken at this level, it must be met with swift consequences. James Appel should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, his assets should be seized to repay victims, and he should face serious jail time for this blatant abuse of trust and alleged criminal activities.”