Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon says she's "excited" about the prospect of putting theft charges behind her.
Dixon goes on trial next week. She says she's looking forward to "getting it over with and moving on" with her life.
The Democratic mayor is accused of stealing gift cards donated for needy families. She has denied all wrongdoing and says "a lot of truth will come out" during court proceedings.
Dixon also says she's given no thought to stepping down. Dixon could be thrown out of office if convicted of any of the charges against her.
Even if she's found innocent, she still faces a separate indictment that charges her with perjury for allegedly lying about gifts from her former boyfriend, a developer who received tax breaks from the city.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)