Cumberland Times-News

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March 14, 2013

Ex-Anne Arundel exec sentenced to 30 days in jail

ANNAPOLIS — Former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold was led in handcuffs from a courtroom to a county detention center Thursday after a judge sentenced him to 30 days in jail and 30 days of home detention for misconduct in office.

Judge Dennis Sweeney sentenced Leopold to a 2-year sentence with all but 60 days suspended for forcing members of his security detail to perform campaign work and another county employee to empty his urinary catheter bag.

Sweeney also sentenced Leopold to pay a $100,000 fine to the state, or a $75,000 fine to the county, and to perform 400 hours of community service. Leopold also received 5 years of probation.

Prosecutors had not recommended jail time, citing the 70-year-old Republican’s age and health. He has back and urinary problems. Sweeney, however, said a message needed to be sent that misconduct in office carries serious consequences to deter politicians from abusing power after recurring cases in Maryland.

“We can only hope,” State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt said after sentencing.

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