Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson returned to work just days after he and his wife were arrested by federal authorities and charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence.
As Johnson left for work Monday, he said he was feeling well. He said he has received many phone calls and that many people said they were praying for his family. Johnson said that has lifted their spirits.
The county executive is on home detention and only allowed out for work, court and meetings with attorneys.
At the county's administration building in Upper Marlboro, Johnson said it's not "a black mark on the county" for him to return to work. He said he is working on next year's budget and a blueprint for his successor Rushern Baker.
Baker didn't have much to say about the federal investigations and the charges against his predecessor, during a brief news conference Monday with Prince George's County officials in the state legislature and on the County Council. Instead, Baker said Monday he is focusing on putting together a new government on Dec. 6 when he takes office.
Spokesman Scott Peterson said Saturday Baker is focused on his agenda to improve education and the economy and "deliver a more effective, efficient and ethical government."
The Johnsons were taken into custody at about 12:30 p.m. Friday. Each charge carries a maximum of 20 years in jail.
"Through an investigation initiated in January 2006, FBI agents learned that certain real estate developers based in Prince George's County and their associates were regularly providing things of value to public officials in exchange for official acts that were favorable to these individuals and their companies," the affidavit said.
