ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)– A new development in Anne Arundel County’s abuse of power controversy. After the police chief refused to testify about County Executive John Leopold, the deputy police chief agrees to take questions from the council instead.

Pat Warren explains what the council is trying to find out.

Leopold is accused of using his police security detail as a private job squad and the County Council wants to know how the department let that happen.

A so-called “Enemies List” compiled by Leopold has the police chief refusing to answer County Council questions.

“I do not want to break the law so I respectfully decline to answer questions that would cause me to do that,” James Teare, Sr., chief of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, said on Monday.

Now, the deputy chief is stepping forward. Leopold is charged with misconduct in office, making his security detail fetch and carry for his personal and political gain. The council chairman tells WJZ now the deputy chief has volunteered to answer questions.

“The deputy chief will be able to answer some basic questions on procedures and process in the police department and, especially about that Maryland state database that, you know, supposedly used to do this enemy hit list,” Derek Fink, chairman of the Anne Arundel County Council, said.

And while some residents are reacting with protests, others are coming together in prayer.

“That we can gather and fight the forces of evil and corruption that exist through prayer, that is our strength,” Rev. Michael McKinney of Mount Zion United Methodist Church said.

“I see the county in a deep moral funk and it needs to be uplifted,” Eugene Peterson of Annapolis’ Second Baptist Church said.

They plan weekly prayer vigils.

The county executive has said he will be cleared of all charges.

Deputy Chief Emerson Davis will appear before the council Monday night. He will not be under oath.