Civil Rights Leader Arrested For Drug Possession

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Carl Snowden was arrested for alleged marijuana possession Friday. He is currently on probation for a drunk driving conviction.

Snowden, who is the civil rights chief at the Maryland Attorney General's office, could face 60 days in jail for probation violation. In 2011, he was convicted of DWI and received a suspended sentence of 60 days.

Snowden has stepped down from his job so he could sue Anne Arundel County. He claims he has suffered emotional distress after information was gathered about him by County Executive John Leopold. That lawsuit will be filed in two weeks, his attorney, Cary J. Hansel III said.

Police officials say charging documents will be available in this arrest on Monday.

"We are confident that Mr. Snowden will not be found guilty. This is such a small amount that such minimal possession is a minor misdemeanor," Hansel said in a statement.

The attorney general's office did not respond to a request for comment, although a spokesman said Snowden's unpaid leave began Friday.

"Anything involving the charges as reported will not be handled in any way by the attorney general's office," said David Paulson.