BALTIMORE (AP) — A former Anne Arundel County employee alleges she was fired in retaliation for helping co-workers in their lawsuit against the county executive and wants to join their claim against him.

Joan Harris claims in an amended complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore this week that she was fired from her job as a community services specialist for helping her co-workers.

The first plaintiff, Karla Hamner, has alleged sexual harassment.

The second plaintiff, Laurie Garvey, has alleged she was fired for disloyalty.

Leopold, elected to a second term in November, has denied the allegations.

In court documents, county lawyers said the amended complaint was filed too late and have asked the judge not to allow it.

Leopold is also under investigation into whether he misused government resources.

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