LARGO, Md. — Prince George’s County At-Large Councilmember Calvin Hawkins is defending his decision to hire former councilman Mel Franklin as his new chief of staff — less than a year after Franklin served time in prison for misusing campaign funds.

Hawkins, speaking publicly for the first time about the hiring, told WUSA9 that he believes Franklin deserves a second chance.

“I think it was important to offer him this opportunity,” Hawkins said.

Franklin, who once represented District 9 and later served as an at-large councilmember, resigned from his seat in June 2024. Less than two weeks later, he was charged and later sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to felony theft and perjury. Prosecutors said he used campaign contributions for personal expenses.

Despite publi

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