Prince George's Co. Executive Aims To Expand Ethics Office

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker is proposing legislation that would strengthen the county's ethics office.

The Washington Post reports the measure includes expanding the ethics office's responsibilities, adding more staff and creating a tip line for whistleblowers.

Baker says he would look for an expert to head the new office, which would have a budget of about $375,000. The office would also have two investigators and an administrative aide.

The legislation will be subject to a hearing and vote by the county council in the fall.

It comes two years after the bribery and corruption case of Baker's predecessor, Jack Johnson, and his wife, who are both in prison now. The Johnsons were arrested in a widespread scheme that involved several county officials, businesses and real estate developers.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)