P.G. County Arrest To Lead To Many More

Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson has company in that growing federal corruption probe.  Now several police officers and even a Howard County couple are facing charges.  Kelly McPherson explains how they're all connected.

Claims of corruption in Prince George's County began at the top with County Executive Jack Johnson charged with taking bribes.  This week, nine others--including three police officers--have been indicted in two different scams.

The first deals with a Howard County couple who owns several liquor stores in the state.  The US attorney's office alleges that the Melhis were part of a multi-million dollar scam to sell cigarettes and alcohol without paying the appropriate taxes and that they were helped by a corporal in the PG County Police Department.

Cpl. Chong Chin Kim and Officer Richard Delabrer have been suspended without pay.  Amrik and Ravidener Malhi, along with three others, have been implicated.  Dozens of bank accounts, cars and properties must be surrendered, including the Melhi's $2.3 million home in Clarksville.

The second set of suspects includes Officer Sinisa Simic and Virginia resident Mira Kujundzic who the FBI says were selling cocaine.

"I'm very disappointed," said Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton.  "These individuals are just bad people that need to go away.  It is our duty for every member of this agency to report misconduct and, you're right, it's going to impact us and it should kick you in the gut."

County Executive Jack Johnson maintains his innocence after an FBI affidavit outlined a conversation between him and his wife Leslie about a $100,000 check from a developer.

"Tear it up.  That is the only thing you have to do," he said.  Seconds later, he referred to nearly $80,000 in cash:  "Put it in your bra and walk out or something; I don't know what to do."

"I'm going to remain strong.  I'm going to finish what I started," Jackson said Monday.

Johnson will finish his last term as county executive next month.  The newly elected leader held a news conference Monday to talk about moving the county forward but did not address questions about corruption.

Johnson is on a home monitoring device until his next appearance.