Politics
Leopold found Not Guilty of Count #2; Remaining 4 Counts Stand
Leopold Did Not Act with Color of Law
County Executive John R. Leopold in Court Friday
(Source: M. Scott Bowling)
(Source: M. Scott Bowling)
Was it County Executive John R. Leopold, Candidate Leopold, or John R. Leopold, a private citizen of Anne Arundel County, MD?
As the trial of Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold entered its 5th day on Friday, Judge Dennis M. Sweeney heard a Motion for Judgment Acquittal from Defense Attorney, Robert Bonsib.
In his argument, Bonsib argued that the State Prosecutors Office had failed to meet the Prima Facie Case Standard in the evidence it presented on all of the five charges against his client, County Executive John Leopold, and asked the Court to rule favorably on his Motion for Judgment of Acquittal.
After almost 3 hours of testimony, Judge Dennis M. Sweeney ruled , and found Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold "Not Guilty" on Count #2 of the 5 Count Indictment. Count #2 was "Misconduct in Office - Malfeasance" Theft of Conti's Campaign Sign.
In his argument, Bonsib argued that the State Prosecutors Office had failed to meet the Prima Facie Case Standard in the evidence it presented on all of the five charges against his client, County Executive John Leopold, and asked the Court to rule favorably on his Motion for Judgment of Acquittal.
After almost 3 hours of testimony, Judge Dennis M. Sweeney ruled , and found Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold "Not Guilty" on Count #2 of the 5 Count Indictment. Count #2 was "Misconduct in Office - Malfeasance" Theft of Conti's Campaign Sign.
In his issuing his Decision Friday afternoon, Judge Dennis Sweeney ruled that while he believed a theft of Joanna Conti's Campaign Signs had occurred, he did not feel that Mr. Leopold had done so as County Executive, rather as a Candidate in a political campaign to be re-elected County Executive.
Judge Dennis Sweeney's ruling spoke to the core of Defense Attorney Robert Bonsib's argument against the State's charge and evidence on Count#2 .
After Judge Sweeney's ruling, the Defense called its first witness, Dr. Roy Bands, a Orthopedic Surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center, who testified as to Leopold's back condition, his need for a catheter bag after being discharged from the hospital, and Leopold's need for help after being discharged.
Judge Dennis Sweeney's ruling spoke to the core of Defense Attorney Robert Bonsib's argument against the State's charge and evidence on Count#2 .
After Judge Sweeney's ruling, the Defense called its first witness, Dr. Roy Bands, a Orthopedic Surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center, who testified as to Leopold's back condition, his need for a catheter bag after being discharged from the hospital, and Leopold's need for help after being discharged.
The trial continues...
When Court resumes at 9:00AM on Monday, it is unclear whether the Sate will cross examine Dr. Bands, and whether the Defense will call any additional witnesses. In speaking with attorney's from both sides, it is clear that they plan to place the Case in the hands of Judge Dennis Sweeney for verdict no later than Wednesday.The overriding question of this trial remains; Is Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold a criminal days away from conviction or just another politician with an over reaching ego who feels that his at-will staff are there to serve him more than assist him in the running of County Government?
Ultimately, this will be one of the questions Judge Sweeney will be compelled to answer.
Misconduct Misappropriation Poor Judgment Misconduct Judge Sweeney Hon. Dennis Sweeney Thomas Mcdonough Emmet Davitt Defense Attorney Bruce Marcus Robert Bonsib County Executive Maryland Anne Arundel County Leopold Trial Leopold
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