The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced on Mar. 30 that James Appel, a treasurer for several political candidates and organizations, has been indicted in connection with an alleged embezzlement scheme.
Appel, age 58, from Annapolis, Maryland, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. The indictment alleges that in 2024 he stole approximately $100,000 from a Maryland State Delegate’s campaign accounts and took another $100,000 from an Anne Arundel County community organization. Authorities also allege Appel reported these stolen funds as his own assets when applying to refinance a loan for his yacht.
According to the indictment, Appel transferred significant sums between various accounts under his control beginning in May 2023. He allegedly moved funds from Politician 1’s campaign account into other accounts where he was the sole representative before transferring them into his business and personal financial accounts throughout May 2024. Specific transactions cited include transfers of $40,000 and $60,000 at different times during May.
The indictment further states that on June 5 Appel moved $100,000 from a community organization account to his business account before placing it into his personal account the same day. Later communications with a bank about refinancing a yacht loan included statements referencing inflated balances based on these alleged transfers.
In August 2024 and again in January of both 2025 and 2026, Appel is accused of submitting false campaign reports to the Maryland Board of Elections overstating the balances of Politician 1’s campaign accounts. He also allegedly misrepresented asset information to board members of Community Organization 1 in early 2026.
Authorities emphasize that an indictment is not evidence of guilt; those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial. If convicted on all counts as charged—wire fraud carries up to twenty years per count while money laundering can result in up to ten years per count—sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines and judicial discretion.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended investigative efforts by the FBI Baltimore Field Office as well as assistance provided by the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Wenner and Ari D. Evans are leading prosecution efforts.
