The scandal involving Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold is about to play out in a Maryland courtroom. He is charged with misconduct and fraud, accused of using his security detail to have an affair.
More than 300 potential jurors are being screened at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court -- an unusually high number because of the sensational nature of this trial.
Leopold’s security allegedly accompanied him when he had sex with a county employee in a public parking lot at Westfield Annapolis Mall. Police received a 911 call reporting a couple having sex in a car. The caller said it looked like Leopold. A grand jury indicted Leopold last March for misconduct and misappropriation, accusing him of keeping secret files on his political enemies and using his police detail to help him tear down campaign signs of his political opponent in the 2010 election.
A separate civil lawsuit was filed by two women for sexual harassment. Their lawyer, John Singleton, is monitoring Leopold's criminal trial.
"From their perspective it was terrible a reign of terror,” he said.
Twelve jurors and four alternates will be selected for Leopold’s criminal trial.
If Leopold is convicted, he could face a sentence of up to five years.
He remains in office performing his duties before and after court each day.
