Updated: County Executive Jack Johnson Arrested
Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife are in custody, will appear in court this afternoon.
Photos
Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife, Leslie, were taken into custody Friday by federal agents, according to Marcia Murphy, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office.
Charges were not immediately available and Murphy said she could only confirm that it was federal agents who arrested the couple and were executing search warrants on government offices in Upper Marlboro.
"It's all still very fluid right now," said Murphy.
Johnson is completing his second and final term as county executive, was arrested at his Mitchellville home. It was not immediately known where federal agents arrested Leslie Johnson, who was recently elected as a Prince George's County councilwoman.
Federal officials expect to release additional details on Friday afternoon.
Former Prince George's County Councilman Peter A. Shapiro said Johnson's arrest might stem from dealings with developers.
"I don't have any more details than I imagine you do as to what are even the charges, though I am hearing, informally, that it may be related to a 'pay to play' deal with one of the larger future developments in the county. If true, it is quite a serious violation of the public trust," he said.
The incident could put a stain on the county's reputation for years to come, Shapiro said.
"Mostly, I'm sad for the county and the effect this will have on our reputation," Shapiro said. "I imagine that we are in for a number of months, even years of negative news as the case against the Johnsons and what will surely soon be other public leaders as well, winds its way through the federal courts," Shapiro said. "It now seems like the new executive and council will be loaded with a substantially heavier burden as they work to improve the county's reputation and the quality of life for the residents."
Bowie Mayor G. Fred Robinson said the arrests came as a surprise and disappointment.
"Rumors have been floating around for months, but it's always a surprise when something like this happens," he said. "You have to assume somebody did their homework before arresting an official like a sitting county executive."
Sarah Nemeth and Josh Flynn contributed to this article.
Donald James
1:52 pm on Friday, November 12, 2010
I'm severely annoyed. Just another black eye for our county. Can we swear Rushern Baker in sooner rather than later???
pgcoresident
2:15 pm on Friday, November 12, 2010
finally!! hasn't rushern baker's transition already begun? I know he's not sworn in for another couple of weeks. I hope he knew what he was getting into. he's got a mess and a half to fix.. but getting rid of the poison that was jack johnson was the first step. THANK GOODNESS
Uncle Blue
5:27 pm on Friday, November 12, 2010
Now you know why a one party system in Maryland is a horrendous concept. There were good candidates that ran against this bum, even John Rouse endorsed the GOP candidate in 2002 to no avail. Folks get elected to office and have free reign because the voters do not hold them accountable and vote blindly for the DEM candidate every chance they get. Thus the reason Steny Hoyer and Mike Miller still have jobs - despite the crime and our poor schools. With regards to Jack, anyone that did not see this coming is blind or stupid. GFred is not surprised - give me a break - he know's exactly how dirty JJ is (was). Unfortunatley he does not have the fortitude to come out publically and state the same. GFred should have said in 2002 and again in 2006 that this guy is not good for Bowie and not good for PG. He did not - he hid under a rock. Not much of a leader GFred. Now our tax dollars will be spent to bring these 'alleged' thieves to justice. What a load of garbage! Citizens of PG County - you did this to yourselves. The question to bear is - Do you even care??
Uncle Blue
5:42 pm on Friday, November 12, 2010
Correct that - John Rouse ENDORSED Jack Johnson in 2002!! Something to due with County funds being paid to his newspaper. Show me the money eh John?
John Rouse
9:28 pm on Friday, November 12, 2010
Why don't you use your real name, Dahms?
Meg Wilson
6:21 pm on Friday, November 12, 2010
Well, now I know where a large sum of my property tax dollars went. Wonder how many off shore or Swiss bank acounts Johnson has..
Uncle Blue
12:58 am on Saturday, November 13, 2010
Relax John, my name is Blue. Odd as it seems, that is my name. Not certain why that has anything to do with the issue at hand or why a guy who calls himself Aunt Agatha cares what my name is. You can call me whatever you want, it wont change the facts. In fact, I'd prefer you call me Uncle Blue.
Fire
1:16 am on Saturday, November 13, 2010
Bad things happen to people that do bad stuff....The backroom underhanded, persian basaar dealings that have been going on in Marlboro for years have come home to roost. I am sure there are handful of others peering out from behind curtains wondering if the Fed's will be knocking. Toilets are flushing everywhere. And, there earlier comment of voting blindly for the Democratic Party is correct..... PEOPLE open your eyes! How is Marion Berry elected to anything?
How many others in the County Gov't will go? Should go? How many have turned a blind eye and simply supported because he is (was) the County Exec......? But isn't that what our county heads expect? Blind Devotion!
Here is the question of the day: How many people have 79 G's in their underwear?
kizzmo
8:30 am on Sunday, November 14, 2010
Hey, I've got a solution: Let's invest in one of those Airport 'Body Scanner' machines; we can install it just outside the elevators on the top floor down off of Main St! But seriously, folks, the timing is fortuitous: We've got a fresh new Administration - that KNOWS it will be 'hawk-watched' for any signs of corruption, and it may even inspire some of these civic commentators to get involved, instead of 'armchair quaterbacking' from our Lazy-Boys all the time? (myself included!) Perhaps this is just the inspiration we all need to participate, not just pontificate!
kizzmo
8:33 am on Sunday, November 14, 2010
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY NEEDS AN OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL!
(To keep the Foxes the heck out of the Henhouse!) Anybody disagree? I didn't think so...
Inkwell
11:39 am on Sunday, November 14, 2010
The power and money of the developers in PG has been seen for a long time: Witness the "Science and Tech Center" debacle. I can't wait to see who "Developer A" turns out to be--and if there's a B, C, and D. Leslie Turner should NOT be sworn in as a member of the County Council until or unless she's cleared of the charges.