City leaders stay silent after FOX45 finds mayor adviser rarely reported to City Hall

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore City leaders are declining to answer questions after a FOX45 News investigation found a senior advisor to Mayor Brandon Scott rarely reported to City Hall during a three-week period while making multiple stops that appeared unrelated to city business.

FOX45’s investigation found Marvin James, a longtime ally of Mayor Scott, former chief of staff and current arrived at City Hall just twice over the course of three weeks and never appeared to spend a full eight-hour workday there. During that same period, FOX45 documented James using a city-issued vehicle to visit a salon, multiple restaurants and a Washington, D.C. mayoral campaign office during traditional work hours.

James currently serves as a special advisor to Mayor Scott and earns approximately $198,000 annually. Before moving into that role, he served as the mayor’s chief of staff, earning more than $231,000 per year.

When FOX45 News presented its findings to Mayor Scott last week, the mayor suggested the administration would review the allegations.

“So what we’ll do is we can’t just take your word for something, Mikenzie,” Scott said. “We will investigate anything and we’ll take appropriate action when necessary.”

On Monday, FOX45 News followed up with the mayor’s office, asking whether an investigation had been launched, whether Scott had spoken with James about the apparent personal use of the city-issued vehicle, and whether James would remain employed by the city.

The mayor’s office did not respond.

FOX45 also contacted every member of the Baltimore City Council, asking whether the activity documented by FOX45 represented an appropriate use of taxpayer resources, whether an investigation should be conducted and whether James should remain in his position.

No council members responded to requests for comment.

David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, said the findings raise concerns about accountability inside City Hall.

“It’s not appropriate,” Williams said. “And now we know that this person is either not needed or they aren’t doing their job.”

Williams argued the issue extends beyond James’ conduct and reflects broader concerns about transparency within the Scott administration.

“This goes to a bigger question about the mayor and hiding information,” Williams said. “It started with MONSE and the Inspector General. Now we have this questionable use of taxpayer money for this advisor, and it shows why the mayor doesn’t want to be transparent.”

The questions surrounding James come as City Hall remains embroiled in an ongoing legal dispute with Baltimore Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming over access to city records. The watchdog’s office has challenged efforts by the Scott administration to restrict access to government documents, arguing the limitations hinder oversight and accountability.

James has remained a visible figure within the mayor’s inner circle since helping manage Scott’s 2020 mayoral campaign. He currently serves as a senior advisor in the mayor’s office, according to public biographies.

For now, it remains unclear whether the mayor’s office plans to investigate the activity documented by FOX45 News or whether James’ employment status will change.

Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.