Leopold Has Until April 1 To Respond to Subpoenas

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold has until April 1 to turn over records relating to his schedule over the last two years, in response to subpoenas handed down by the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor. 

County Attorney Jonathan Hodgson said Leopold will cooperate with prosecutors, who are investigating how county police officers were used during Leopold's campaign for re-election in 2010.

"That's more than enough time," Hodgson said. "The subpoena will be complied with."

Those interviewed by prosecutors said they were asked whether police officers assigned to Leopold's detail had been asked to perform certain things outside their normal perview, including moving the campaign signs of opposing candidates. 

Leopold acknowledged to WBAL Radio this week that he asked an officer to pick up a campaign check because he was not able to drive due to back surgery. 

One subpoena calls for Leopold to present information on his schedule from 2008 to the present. A second subpoena requests the same information from "custodian of records" relating to Leopold's schedule. Hodgson disputed reports that the subpoena names anyone specific. But he acknowledged that Patty Medlin, Leopold's appointments secretary, would likely be the one to cooperate with prosecutors in handing over scheduling information. 

Hodgson said prosecutors had a right to subpoena the scheduling information, but said there was no legal need for them to do so, as they are public records. 

"That's their privelege," Hodgson said. "It makes no difference. Obviously, they are pursuing an investigation of some kind."

The Sun newspaper in Baltimore reported Friday that the state prosecutor had subpoenaed three police officers to appear before a grand jury in the case. The officers reportedly worked on Leopold's detail during the campaign.