Edgewater-Davidsonville Readers React to Leopold Verdict

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold was found guilty of two counts of criminal misconduct in office on Tuesday and Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch readers have some strong reactions to the verdict. 

Leopold faced a five-count grand jury indictment that included four counts of misconduct in office and one count of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary.

Leopold has been suspended from his duties in office and Chief Administrative Officer John Hammond is now serving as acting Anne Arundel county executive until a more permanent decision is reached.

Patch readers sounded off on the news on Edgewater-Davidsonville Pactch's Facebook page. Many voiced frustrations with Leopold and said he abused his executive powers.

Here's a roundup of some of the comments made by local Patch readers after the verdict was announced.

• James Debbie Levi: So even though he in my opinion misused his detail to run his errands, watch over him during (romantic LOL liaisons in a parking lot), run his campaign and baby sit him in hospital out of all of this the Judge truly only found guilt in the changing of the urine bags.... seriously... come on.
• Marc Carella: "The defendant demonstrates an overbearing arrogance and sense of entitlement that is unworthy of someone in public service." That quote from the judge sums it all up...
• Bonnie Griffin-Doty Roberts: So glad he was found guilty. We don't need people in these offices to abuse their power, I just wish more of these men could be caught.
• Donna Stockett: Only misconduct? I guess the tax-payer paid escapades don't count? Glad he's removed from office.
• Michelle Ludwig Sloan: He's the only politician that has knocked on my door and asked for my vote. Sort of felt like the '50s, it was a hot sweltering day and we gave him ice water. Guess it was too good to be true.

The Anne Arundel County Council will meet in an emergency session Wednesday afternoon to introduce legislation that would declare a vacancy in the county executive's office.

For more local reaction or to join the Facebook conversation click here.

Patch Editors Anna Staver and Frank Smith contributed to this article.

See Also:

• Executive's Job on the Line in Emergency Vote by Council