Politics
Leopold Convicted on 2 Counts of Misconduct in Office
Sweeney: Acts were predatory and cruel
County Executive John R. Leopold
(Source: M. Scott Bowling)
(Source: M. Scott Bowling)
Judge Dennis Sweeney found Leopold guilty on 2 counts of misconduct in office for using his taxpayer-funded executive protection detail to perform political duties, and for ordering his county executive protection officers as well as office staff to change and empty his urine catheter bag for almost a year following his back surgery in 2010.
Judge Sweeney called Leopold's insistence that his staff change and empty his urine bag, "outrageous and egregious," and "demonstrated an overbearing arrogance."
Leopold was acquitted on a misconduct and a fraud charge related to allegations that he required his executive protection officers to work overtime while he was in the hospital recovering from back surgery in 2010.
Judge Sweeney called Leopold's insistence that his staff change and empty his urine bag, "outrageous and egregious," and "demonstrated an overbearing arrogance."
Leopold was acquitted on a misconduct and a fraud charge related to allegations that he required his executive protection officers to work overtime while he was in the hospital recovering from back surgery in 2010.
Prosecutors contended that Leopold required the Police Officers to work in order to make sure that his live in girlfriend and the woman he was meeting for sex in the parking lot of the Annapolis Bowl Bowling Ally would not meet while he was recovering in the hospital.
Since Leopold has been found guilty, he has been suspended from his position as County Executive. Chief Administrative Officer John Hammond will now become the acting County Executive, under an amendment to the Maryland Constitution approved by voters last November. Leopold could be removed from his Office permanently upon sentencing or sooner by an emergency ordinance of the Anne Arundel County Council.
Since Leopold has been found guilty, he has been suspended from his position as County Executive. Chief Administrative Officer John Hammond will now become the acting County Executive, under an amendment to the Maryland Constitution approved by voters last November. Leopold could be removed from his Office permanently upon sentencing or sooner by an emergency ordinance of the Anne Arundel County Council.
"I am humbled by the decision," Leopold told reporters as he left court. His attorney Bruce Marcus said he would consider all avenues for an appeal.
Leopold is in his second and final term as Anne Arundel County executive. He is scheduled to leave office in December 2014.
State Prosecutor Emmit Davitt praised the verdict.
He notes all parties will confer with Judge Sweeney later this week to determine a sentencing date.
Leopold is in his second and final term as Anne Arundel County executive. He is scheduled to leave office in December 2014.
State Prosecutor Emmit Davitt praised the verdict.
He notes all parties will confer with Judge Sweeney later this week to determine a sentencing date.
County Executive Leopold Leopold John Leopold Anne Arundel County Misconduct In Office Malfeasance Misfeasance
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