Former Planning Board Member Guilty of Stealing Nearly $170,000

A former member of the Baltimore County Planning Board pleaded guilty Tuesday in Baltimore County Circuit Court to stealing nearly $170,000 from a Baltimore-based fraternal organization.

Sentencing for Aaron Dock, 55, of the 9500 block of Georgian Way in Owings Mills, is scheduled for October.

Prosecutors said Dock stole money from two accounts owned by Pi Omega Foundation between Feb. 1, 2001 and April 30, 2009. In one case, Dock used his position as a signatory on an account to make changes that gave him sole authority to make withdrawals.

He also set up a bank account at a second bank, using an account name similar to one used by the fraternal organization, prosecutors said. Assistant State's Attorney Adam Lippe said Dock solicited donations and deposited the checks in that "shadow account."

Dock pleaded guilty to one count of theft in return for county prosecutors dropping a second charge.

The delay in sentencing by Circuit Court Judge H. Patrick Stringer in the fall gives Dock an opportunity to repay a portion of the $169,961 he stole from the organization. Making restitution could affect his sentence.

Dock faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine.

Dock, who remains free on bail, declined to comment after the hearing.

Dock was appointed in 2002 by then-Councilman Kevin Kamenetz to a position on the Planning Board. Dock was appointed to complete the term of Ken Oliver, who stepped down to run for Baltimore County Council. Oliver reappointed Dock, who was later removed from the board for failing to attend meetings.

Oliver, in an interview, said Dock missed 29 of 33 meetings during his time on the board.