Today, Ronald Lipscomb, a Harbor East developer, pled guilty to a lesser charge instead of going on trial for bribery. It’s really not too surprising, as most white-collar criminals just aren’t cut out for long period of prison time.

What’s of the most interest, however, is that part of Lipscomb’s deal is to cooperate with the state prosecutor’s case against the mayor. As more evidence than a couple of gift cards mounts against Dixon, she will be more subject additional pressures above and beyond the day-to-day difficulties of running a major US city with a mounting crime problem.

In addition to Lipscomb admitting to illegal campaign finance activity with City Councilwoman Helen Holton, The Baltimore Sun is reporting that John Paterakis, owner of H&S Bakery and a significant portion of Inner Harbor East, had his name mentioned in connection with the case. So, with Lipscomb in tow, two prominent Baltimore figures – a developer and a councilwoman – the state prosecutor is setting his sights on a slightly larger member of the food chain. Probably a step closer to Dixon at the top.

Dixon’s lawyer Arnold Weiner today dismissed the idea that Lipscomb represented any threat to the mayor’s credibility, saying his testimony in the future would be “of no concern.” Really?  I’m sure State Prosecutor’s make deals with people that don’t know anything all the time.

Guess maybe Dixon has her own Stop Snitchin video out there somewhere.