County Executive Leopold's Lawyer Wants Misconduct Charge Tossed

An attorney for Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold is asking a judge to throw out the misconduct in office case against his client.

Robert Bonsib on Friday contended the allegations that Leopold abused his power by forcing members of his security detail and secretary to do personal work are not valid. He says that's because it's not against the law for an executive to use aides to help him.

But prosecutors say Leopold clearly went too far.

Deputy state prosecutor Thomas "Mike" McDonough says Leopold used county employees on the detail to such an extent for personal and political reasons that he was essentially stealing the services of the county.

Leopold faces four charges of misconduct in office. He also is charged with misusing county money for personal benefit.