Leopold's Security Detail Subpoenaed
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—A security detail is called in for questioning. New developments in the investigation of the Anne Arundel County executive centers on three police officers assigned to his security detail.
Political reporter Pat Warren reports the investigation is still being kept under wraps by the state prosecutor's office.
Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold's security detail has been subpoenaed and was to report to a grand jury Friday, according to WJZ media partner the Baltimore Sun.
The Sun reports a source close to the investigation says three officers -- two full-time and one part-time -- have been called to testify.
On Wednesday the state prosecutor's office subpoenaed Leopold's public schedule. Sources tell WJZ the investigation involves running errands for Leopold's election campaign.
The county executive admitted to one incident in an interview with WBAL Radio this week.
"During my campaign year, I was in excruciating pain from two back operations and could not physically drive an automobile," he said. "I came to work every day and during the course of my campaign I asked that this check be picked up. As I said, I had over a thousand campaign donations and this one check unfortunately was not picked up by me personally as it should be."
Leopold has declined to be interviewed, but County Councilman John Grasso told Eyewitness News on Friday that he thinks the charges are overblown.
"Assuming that this is correct I think this is really like nickel/dime type stuff. The last thing we should be doing is nickel/diming the county executive for all the good work he's done," Grasso said.
Legal expert Andrew Levy says the prosecutor will decide whether the case warrants prosecution.
"If all that occurred is what has been reported in the newspaper, it's very difficult to believe that this would be prosecuted. If, on the other hand, this is one of a pattern of conduct, then there is a greater likelihood that there might be a prosecution," Levy said.
