Arundel Executive Leopold Under Investigation By State Prosecutors

Leader says he was contacted about delivery of check to police driver; election opponent says she has been contacted as well

State prosecutors are investigating whether Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold misused government resources by directing his county-funded security detail to carry out campaign activities, according to witnesses who say they were interviewed in connection with the probe.

John M. Singleton, an attorney acting on behalf of five members of Leopold's security detail, said they are negotiating an immunity deal with the Office of the State Prosecutor that would allow the county police officers to provide information to investigators without threat of prosecution.

The county's fire union chief and Leopold's former political challenger also said they were contacted by an investigator from the state prosecutor's office regarding the county executive's use of his security detail.

State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt, whose office is charged with prosecuting public officials, would not confirm or deny an investigation, citing his office's policy not to comment on what could be a continuing inquiry.

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