Will Dixon's ability to govern suffer?

BALTIMORE (AP) - It's difficult enough to lead a city plagued by rampant violent crime, failing schools, widespread poverty and drug addiction. For Mayor Sheila Dixon, the job figures to get tougher this year - and not just because of the sagging economy.

A city grand jury indicted Ms. Dixon on Friday on 12 counts, including theft and perjury. Among other things, she's accused of using gift cards meant for the poor and buying clothes and gadgets for herself. Ms. Dixon has pledged not to resign, and her term runs through late 2011.

But a conviction on any of the 12 charges would trigger her removal from office under the...