PG-Politics-Scandals

Taxicab Drivers Allege Ethics Violations and Demand an Investigation

2011-05-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

By guest author, Henock Wogderes.

Prince George's Taxicab Drivers
Allege Ethics Violations
and Demand an Investigation

Contact info:
Henock Wogderes 240-505-8184
Isidore Asukuo 301-257-8606
Getachew Mengesha 240-643-6298

Several taxicab drivers are filing complaints with the Prince George's County Board of Ethics for apparent violations of the County lobbying registration and reporting laws.

Taxicab drivers are also demanding that action on proposed CB-3-2011 be tabled pending completion of the investigation.
The taxicab industry, in Prince George's County and in many jurisdictions, is known for allegations of corruption. CB-3-2011 and the characters surrounding it and their actions speak to "pay to play" and "good ol' boy" politics that are well known in Prince George's County

Complaints to be filed with the Prince George's County Board of Ethics

County Ethics Laws require lobbyists both to register their activities and to file annual lobbying reports. Failure to knowingly comply is a misdemeanor.

Mr. John Lally has been serving as a lobbyist for members of the taxi industry for a number of years. He has lobbied the County Council and the Office of the County Executive, and employees in the Department of Environmental Resources, regarding taxi-related bills CB-48-2009, CB-36-2010 and CB-3-2011. Mr. Lally has publicly testified on many occasions and it is common knowledge that Mr. Lally has had meetings with Council members regarding some or all of these bills, and he has been seen speaking with County Council members and County employees before and after County Council meetings and committee meetings regarding these bills.

The 2010 and 2011 lobbyist registration lists that are maintained by the Board of Ethics and the Office of Law do not list Mr. Lally for 2010 lobbying on CB-36-2010 or for filing a lobby report. Also, Mr. Lally is not listed for 2011 lobbying on CB-3-2011.

Mr. Wayne Curry, the former County Executive, has been assisting Mr. John Lally as a lobbyist for members of the taxi industry for about the past four to six months. He has lobbied the County Council and the Office of the County Executive and employees in the Department of Environmental Resources, regarding CB-3-2011. Taxi drivers have heard for months that Mr. Curry has had meetings with Council members and with the Executive branch regarding this bill. Mr. Curry testified publicly regarding CB-3-2011 and he was seen speaking with County Council members and County employees before and after County Council committee meetings regarding CB-3-2011.

The 2011 lobbyist registration list that is maintained by the Board of Ethics and the Office of Law does not list Mr. Curry for 2011 lobbying on CB-3-2011. The actions of both Mr. Lally and Mr. Curry constitute lobbying.

If Mr. Lally and/or Mr. Curry have met the minimum compensation or expenditure threshold for 2009, 2010 or 2011, and not registered as a lobbyist and filed an annual report, then they would be in violation of County ethics laws in County Code Sections 2-295(a), (b), (c) and (g).

"Pay To Play"And "Good Ol' Boy" Politics

The taxi industry is full of corruption and former County Executive Jack Johnson was in the pockets of the taxi industry, fighting against economic freedom for the drivers. The taxi industry supported several candidates in the 2010 election that were known be Jack Johnson's candidates: Leslie Johnson, Michael Jackson and Angela Alsobrooks. Now that Rushern Baker defeated Michael Jackson, the taxi drivers are disturbed to see that he is following Jack Johnson's lead and supporting a corrupt industry. We can see no difference between the position of Jack Johnson and Rushern Baker in fighting against the economic freedom and independence of County residents of very modest means in order to benefit a monopoly.

CB-36-2010

Last year, the County Council unanimously passed a Bill (CB-36-2010) to give economic freedom and independence to taxi drivers by creating 400 new certificates and allowing 75 new certificates each year for 5 years, and all of these new certificates had to be owned by individuals, not taxicab companies. The companies fought hard CB-36-2010, using long-time County political player, John Lally, as their attorney-lobbyist. In addition, they made substantial campaign contributions, most notably to various slates including Council Member Will Campos, Council Member Leslie Johnson, Council Member Andrea Harrison, former Council Member Marilynn Bland, State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks and former County Executive candidate Michael Jackson.

Former County Executive Jack Johnson was a strong supporter of the industry, and during his tenure, numerous complaints about corruption and unfair treatment of drivers by the Department of Environmental Resources were ignored. Jack Johnson opposed CB-36-2011 and vetoed the bill, which the County Council overrode 7-0 on August 10, 2010.* Council Member Will Campos was absent for the vote.

* Of concern is that on the day before the veto override vote, the taxi industry gave $4,000 to "Progress for the People Slate" which consists of

The taxi industry filed an injunction against CB-36-2011, initially obtaining a temporary restraining order. The industry hired John Davey,

John Davey was appointed by Wayne Curry to represent the County at WMATA, with a sweetheart contact similar to the ones that the Washington Postreported concerning Marcell Solomon and Artis Hampshire-Cowan. Pr. George's paid more than $600,000 to Metro board alternate over 8 years, May 22, 2011.

a long-time County political player with ties to Wayne Curry, and Leonard Lucchi, another long-time County political player who served as County Attorney under Wayne Curry and as County lobbyist for Jack Johnson. At the follow-up hearing shortly thereafter, the County Attorney, Stephanie Anderson, refused to defend the law, claiming that there was a conflict of interest since the County Executive and County Council disagreed. The Judge ruled that there was no conflict of interest and held a hearing on the injunction suit -- even though the County had no lawyer to defend the approved law. In spite of the reckless action of the County Attorney, the injunction case had so little merit, that the Judge upheld CB-36-2010 even though no one was present to argue in defense of it. Rushern Baker has retained Stephanie Anderson (who was originally appointed by Jack Johnson), even though he dismissed many Department Directors to remove any concerns about improper activities in the Johnson administration.

CB-36-2010 provided for a lottery to issue the 400 newly authorized certificates to eligible drivers. Samuel Wynkoop, the newly Acting Director of DER, slowed down the process and held up any action until the drivers started protesting. Mr. Wynkoop was formerly the Director of the Department of Environmental Resources under Wayne Curry. Even after the new certificates were approved for some drivers, the Department of Environmental Resources staff moved very slowly to physically issue the certificates. Many invalid excuses were told to drivers that inquired. In addition, three dozen drivers were incorrectly ruled ineligible and filed appeals. Their appeals dragged on for months. Again, after public protests, Mr. Wynkoop announced that the three dozen certificates would be issued, but not as part of the 400 new certificates. Instead, these drivers would have to wait until the next 75 certificates are issued in the next annual round. This position has no logic, but plays to the effort of the industry to effectively repeal CB-36-2010.
Drivers are still being denied the certificates to which they are entitled.

CB-3-2011

On behalf of the taxi industry, John Lally and Wayne Curry have gotten Council Member Will Campos to present a bill (CB-3-2011) that will take away the newly won gains for drivers. Almost all of the newly authorized certificates will be rescinded. Just as bad, the newly issued certificates "which presently may only be owned by individuals" would become eligible for acquisition by the taxicab companies, and the ratio of certificates that taxicab companies may own will increase to 75%. This provision directly undermines the 2010 decision to try to lessen the taxicab monopoly that exists. Doing so is anti-free market and will hurt consumers.

Rushern Baker originally claimed to have no position on CB-3-2011, but at the Committee worksession on the bill, Samuel Wynkoop (Acting Director of the Department of Environmental Resources, and the former Director under Wayne Curry) came out in support of the bill, with some amendments that make the bill even worse. Wayne Curry was the most visible political of Rushern Baker's candidacies in the 2006 and 2010 County Executive elections. Mr. Curry's level of connection is clear from his appointment in November to serve as the Chairman of the Baker Transition Team.

Rushern Baker's point person on the CB-3-2011, who expressed Baker's support, is Brad Frome, Deputy Chief of Staff. For the past six years, Brad Frome was Chief of Staff for Councilman Will Campos. In addition, Brad Frome serves as Campaign Treasurer of the "Progressive Prince George's Slate", a slate that consists of Will Campos and Senator Victor Ramirez. During the 2010 election cycle (2007-2011), the taxi industry gave $6,500 to the "Progressive Prince George' Slate". These donations raise serious questions about the motives of Council Member Campos. Further, considering the ties that Brad Frome has to Will Campos (the proposer of CB-3-2011), and considering his role as Treasurer of the Slate taking in these influence-buying contributions, it is completely inappropriate for Rushern Baker to allow Mr. Frome any role in the public policy debate of the taxi industry, let along being the primary point person on the legislation.

Thus, Mr. Baker is getting his analysis from an Acting Director who used to work for the lead lobbyist and from his Deputy Chief of Staff who is closely tied to Will Campos and very closely tied to accepting the $6,500 of campaign contributions given to Campos' slate

The new "ethics law" that Baker has touted would not outlaw this type of donation to the Slate in the future.

Finally, Council Member Campos is pushing the County Council to take an extraordinary procedural action to jam CB-3-2011 through the process. CB-3-2011 was presented and went to Committee, where there was a lengthy worksession. Normally, it would be back in Committee for further consideration. Since the Council is in the midst of the budget process, normally, this would occur in early June.

However, last Tuesday, shortly before Council session started, Will Campos (with the complicity of Council Chair Ingrid Turner) sought to use a rare procedural rule to force CB-3-2011 out of Committee and immediately introduce it before the Council. Council Vice Chair Eric Olson, also Chair of the Transportation, Housing and Environment Committee that has CB-3-2011, had no idea of this attempted procedural effort. The taxi drivers had no idea that the Council might take an action to move the bill out of Committee. Also, we understand that Council Member Campos and Brad Frome had worked up revisions to CB-3-2011 that had not been shared with the other Council Members or the public.

As we understand it, after objections from Mr. Olson, the Council agreed to hold an extraordinary Committee worksession and a County Council session on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. These meetings had not been previously scheduled, and during the week that the County Council adopts the budget (Thursday, May 26, 2011), the County Council does not meet in regular session or in Committee.

This means that, in the midst of the very busy budget season, on a day that the County Council would not meet, Council Member Campos has made repealing the 2010 freedom for taxi drivers the number oneÂ priority of County business -- all to reinstall a monopoly system that has long been known for allegations of corruption and unfairness. And, this is being done before CB-36-2010 has been fully implemented, so there is no way to know whether CB-36-2010 has had such a negative impact that it should be revised. CB-36-2010 contains an annual review provision to assess its impact, but CB-3-2010 is being pushed to repeal the law before the annual review can occur. This sudden action, with no rationale, speaks volumes that CB-3-2010 is a special interest bill, not a bill concerning the public health, safety and welfare.

Summary

Council Member Campos, who has received thousands of dollars in campaign donations, in conjunction with his former Chief of Staff, Brad Frome, who handled the money, is adamantly pushing repeal of a bill that gave drivers of modest means economic freedom and independence at the behest of unregistered lobbyists who are longtime politicos in Prince George's County. Players involved include former associates of the lobbyists and a former County Attorney.
Normal County Council bill process is being turned upside down to allow for extraordinary actions to speed up passage of the bill before more of the newly authorized certificates can be issued.
Authorized certificates are being held arbitrarily by an Acting Director who used to be employed by one of the lobbyists.
Is THIS the type of ethics and transparency that Rushern Baker had promised? Is this what it means to root out "pay to play" politics? Is the "good ol' boy" network alive and well in Prince George's County? Rushern Baker has much to answer for.
Actions
The taxi drivers demand that there be an investigation of the handling of CB-3-2011. This investigation cannot be conducted by County Attorney Stephanie Anderson, who already has acted with questionable motives. This investigation cannot be conducted by State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks, who received substantial campaign contributions from the taxicab companies last year. The investigation should be handled by the County Board of Ethics (if it has the capability to do so), by the State Board of Ethics (if it is authorized), or by the Office of the State Prosecutor.
The taxi drivers demand that CB-3-2011 be tabled until an investigation is completed.
The taxi drivers demand that Rushern Baker remove his support from CB-3-2011.
The taxi drivers demand that Rushern Baker remove Brad Frome and Samuel Wynkoop from having any role in policy matters concerning the taxi industry, including with respect to CB-3-2011.
The taxi drivers demand that Rushern Baker order the Department of Environmental Resources to issue immediately all certificates for which drivers are eligible.

Richard Delabrer (former police sergeant) pleads guilty

2011-05-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

ABC7News A Pr. George's County police officer involved in an alcohol and cigarette shipping scheme is expected to plead guilty. http://wj.la/kgATuI
tbd247 Sgt. Richard Delabrer, Prince George's cop expected to plead guilty to corruption charges http://tbd.ly/ihKahK
ABC7News A Prince George's cop pleaded guilty today to corruption charges. http://wj.la/kgATuI.
DCExaminerLocal P.G. cop pleads guilty in extortion scheme: A Prince George’s County poli... http://bit.ly/ju6Xxv
emilybabay A P.G. cop pleaded guilty in an extortion scheme involving smuggling cigarettes: http://ow.ly/535uC His plea agreement: http://ow.ly/535w5

Post: Guilty plea in black-market cigarette scheme

2011-05-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Guilty plea in black-market cigarette scheme.
Post, 19 May 2011 (Castaneda).

Jose Moreno, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of extortion conspiracy involving the transport and distribution of untaxed cigarettes
Also mentioned:

Full report

Jack Johnson pleads guilty (Day 3)

2011-05-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Most, but not all. local news coverage, generally most recent items first.

Gazette: Jack Johnson, guilty; corruption investigation shouldn't stop with the former county executive (Editorial) http://is.gd/3Ph4oK
UMarlboroPatch WUSA: Wiretaps Reveal County Council Plans for Leslie E. Johnson -- http://patch.com/A-h7vD
PGD9Politico Pr. George’s should let shame over Johnson serve as prod to end corruption - The Washington Post http://t.co/biPu6AM via @washingtonpost
PGD9Politico Blog Update: "Robert McCartney is Right." http://pgd9politico.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/robert-mccartney-is-right
Post (McCartney): Pr. George’s should let shame over Johnson serve as prod to end corruption http://is.gd/Euduhs
anobleDC Developer in Johnson probe illegally gave campaign cash / Steele, Wynn appear to be beneficiaries - http://tinyurl.com/44d75s9 (list of recipients)
postlocal Why did Jack B. Johnson admit guilt? Could it be the evidence? http://wapo.st/jVBCxe
PGD9Politico RT @pgpolitics Is Rushern Baker really serious about cleaning up the county's image? http://is.gd/hKFhTf
Is Rushern Baker really serious about cleaning up the county's image? http://is.gd/hKFhTf (If I thought so, I wouldn't have posted this)

Times: Developer in Johnson probe gave illegal campaign cash: Apparent beneficiaries

2011-05-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

Developer in Johnson probe gave illegal campaign cash; Steele, Wynn appear to be beneficiaries.
Washington Times, 19 May 2011 (Andrea Noble).

Prince George's County politicians mentioned in the story as believed to have received campaign contributions from Greenbelt Station developer Patrick Ricker:
Marilynn Bland
Ulysses Currie
Samuel Dean
Thomas Dernoga
Camille Exum
Nathaniel Exum
David Harrington
Carolyn Howard
Obie Patterson
Douglas J.J. Peters
Ronald Skotz
Michael Steele
Michael Vaughn
Albert Wynn

See the full Times report. Note that except for Michael Steele, all of the above are Democrats.

Jack Johnson pleads guilty (Day 2)

2011-05-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Most, but not all. local news coverage, generally most recent items first.

-PG-Politics Re: Fwd: FBI: Jack Johnson Pleads Guilty to Federal Extortion and Br: The only piece of property t... http://yhoo.it/m8qE9t
-PG-Politics Re: Fwd: FBI: Jack Johnson Pleads Guilty to Federal Extortion and Br: Does anyone know if any of t... http://yhoo.it/l627BL
-PG-Politics Re: Jack Johnson pleads guilty (summary): Baker's been talking a good game lately, but let's look ... http://yhoo.it/j8n7Rm
darcyspencer New Revelations in Prince George’s Corruption Probe | NBC Washington http://t.co/BOQlOtU via @nbcwashington
PGD9Politico Pls note "School Board" included. RT @ABC7News Officials in executive, school bd. & council involved in PG corruption. http://wj.la/mRamL5
ABC7News Officials in the executive, school board and county council were involved in PG corruption, documents say http://wj.la/mRamL5
News_PGCounty Unsealed plea deals allege wider conspiracy http://fb.me/VoFoPeip
News_PGCounty PG County residents react to news that former county executive pleads guilty to extortion, evidence tampering. http://fb.me/BggyPkuJ
News_PGCounty Unsealed documents allege wider conspiracy in Jack B. Johnson case, including money, sex for political favors. http://fb.me/tkHcfPNX
PGSentinel Former County Executive Jack B. Johnson apologizes after pleading guilty to extortion, witness and evidence tampering http://t.co/HuMMLH6
News_PGCounty Check out Gazette.net's video of the Jack Johnson guilty plea. http://fb.me/12hwiECMi
News_PGCounty We've updated the Jack Johnson pleading guilty story from yesterday. http://fb.me/zjFDvICT
Post: Developers in probe had long ties to Johnson [Mirza Baig & Patrick Ricker] http://is.gd/Ew3LFw
WTOP: Follow the money: Where did developer's contributions go? [re Patrick Ricker] http://is.gd/IJN02T
Post (editorial): Jack Johnson’s guilty plea: A start toward a cleaner Prince George’s http://is.gd/237LaB

Jack Johnson pleads guilty

2011-05-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Most, but not all. local news coverage, most recent items first.

GGLaurelLeader Jack Johnson pleads guilty, Laurel doctor [Mirza Baig] named in related case http://t.co/pTqlxPg
BowiePatch We've posted video of former PG County Exec. Jack Johnson apologizing following today's guilty plea - http://bit.ly/mSyDKs #Patch
wusa9 Leslie Johnson Is Mum On Husband's Plea http://bit.ly/kVtd0u
gazette_net Guilty pleas to conspiracy made by a developer [Patrick Ricker], doctor [Mirza Baig] and former Prince George's County housing director [James Johnson] since... http://fb.me/NU9WZEAU
GGLaurelLeader Former PG County Exec. Jack Johnson pleaded guilty in federal court today to an extortion conspiracy & witness & evidence tampering charges
RiverdalePatch #jackjohnson was first charged in November 2010 for bribery, conspiracy.
DCExaminerLocal Jack Johnson pleads guilty, faces 40 years: Scott McCabe ... http://bit.ly/lTnAua
gazette_net Former Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of... http://fb.me/ygB24TwQ
emilybabay Here's the full #JackJohnson plea agreement: http://ow.ly/4WJ4a
RiverdalePatch "I hope this is a message to other officials - that we can catch up and hold you accountable," - Rod Rosenstein
WTOP RT @SegravesWTOP: US Attny says Johnson's "scheme" was ongoing since 2003
bbjonline Former P.G. Exec Jack Johnson pleads guilty to a count of extortion and a count of evidence tampering http://bizj.us/b2i55
BowiePatch "We all sin and fall short of the glory of the Lord," - Jack Johnson after pleading guilty in court this afternoon - http://bit.ly/iqlMbn
RiverdalePatch Rod Rosenstein said today represents a milestone in this investigation
RiverdalePatch Close friend of #jackjohnson and leader of the black AME church in dc said the church knows he did something wrong but he is still a member.
CollegePrkPatch Johnson publicly apologized, saying he sinned, much to the chagrin of his attorney.
DCAbloob RT @brucejohnson9: A sad day for Jack Johnson and his family read statement on behalf of PG Council Chairman Ingrid Turner
DCAbloob #JackJohnson didn't address the specifics of the case or take any press questions on advice of counsel. #pgcounty
DCAbloob #JackJohnson to #PGCounty citizens: "I'm very sorry for what happened. We all have sinned and fallen short of glory of the Lord."
DCAbloob WUSA/9 showing press conference for #JackJohnson, his attorney says Johnson has accepted responsibility for what he has done.
postlocal Jack Johnson pleads guilty. http://wapo.st/lUdZkK
UMarlboroPatch Jack Johnson will be sentenced the morning of Sept. 15.
wusa9 Judge orders #jackjohnson to home monitoring until sentencing. Sentencing set for September 15th #ScottBroomreports
wusa9 Judge accepts #jackjohnson guilty pleas of bribery and extortion #ScottBroomreports
wusa9 #jackjohnson case summary: pleaded guilty to extortion and witness tampering: http://t.co/XPCdvS4 #ScottBroomreports
DCAbloob RT @DanKPatrick: Sentencing guidelines agreed to by Johnson and feds suggest a sentence of approx 10 yrs. Judge not bound to that.
WTOPinMD Ex-county executive admits to extortion, tampering http://bit.ly/mr4cqZ #WTOP
wusa9 #jackjohnson will have to forfeit all proceeds from crimes committed, in his plea deal. #ScottBroomreports
wusa9 #jackjohnson sentence not set, but may fall between level 31 and 33 under federal guidelines. Hearing still under way #ScottBroomreports
wusa9 #jackjohnson faces 20 years for each charge, and possible $250k fines #ScottBroomreports
nbcwashington Ex-Prince George's County Exec Jack Johnson pleading guilty to two counts in corruption case. http://bit.ly/mB985u
wusa9 #jackjohnson pleads guilty to extortion under color of official rights and witness tampering. Just waiting for judge's approval #ScottBroom
UMarlboroPatch Live from the courtroom: Former Co. Exec. Jack Johnson just agreed to plead guilty to extortion, conspiracy and witness evidence tampering.
LaurelPatch Former #PG County Executive #Wayne #Curry to reporters seeking comment on former exec #Jack #Johnson: "How ya like me now?!"
GreenbeltPatch RT @riverdalepatch: Johnson has arrived to the courthouse in Greenbelt, but he would not answer reporters' questions.
RiverdalePatch The word is #jackjohnson will plead guilty today in federal district court - it should not take more than a 30 minutes.
nbcwashington Former Pr. George's Co. Exec. Jack Johnson just left his home, headed to US District Court in Greenbelt. Stay with @nbcwashington for more.
anobleDC Ex-Prince George’s Executive Johnson set for plea hearing - http://tinyurl.com/43f7q3c
Post: Ex-Pr. George’s executive Jack Johnson scheduled for plea deal hearing in sweeping public corruption case http://is.gd/tWjcVJ
TraceeWilkins Today former PG Co Exec Jack Johnson is expected to change his plea from innocent to guilty in federal corruption case as part of plea deal.
wusa9 Jack Johnson Expected To Enter Guilty Plea Tuesday http://bit.ly/k7YGn6

PGPD Investigates Police-Involved Shooting in Cottage City

2011-05-09T13:46:00.001-07:00

Police Department
Prince George's County, Maryland

PRESS INFORMATION OFFICE
7600 Barlowe Road, Palmer Park, Maryland 20785 / Phone 301-772-4710 / Fax 301-772-4948

May 09, 2011
For more information, contact:
Press Information

PRESS RELEASE
PGPD Investigates Police-Involved Shooting in Cottage City

Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Investigative Response Team (SIRT) is investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred in Cottage City, Maryland.

On May 8, 2011, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers responded to the 3800 block of Cottage Terrace to search for the suspect involved in a domestic- related shooting that occurred earlier in the day. While conducting a search underneath a bridge, officers were confronted by the armed suspect. The suspect was ordered several times to put the gun down, but he refused. The officer fired his service weapon; striking the suspect in the upper body. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He has been identified as 49 year old Edward Vincent McRavin of the 4200 block of Monroe Street in Colmar Manor, Maryland.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that McRavin was involved in a domestic-related shooting that occurred around 10:45 a.m., in the 3600 block of Taylor Street in Brentwood, Maryland. McRavin fired his weapon at a 45 year old female victim, striking her in the upper body. He then attempted to fire his weapon at a 10 year old male victim but his weapon misfired, saving the child from injury. The female victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

The officer involved has been identified as 14 year veteran, Lt. Harold Simms, III, who is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol and has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with departmental policy.

For more information contact the Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.

###

Leslie Johnson plea hearing cancelled

2011-05-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Leslie Johnson plea hearing cancelled.
Post, 2 May 2011 (Castaneda)

A Wednesday hearing at which Prince George’s County Council member Leslie Johnson was expected to enter a guilty plea in connection with a sweeping corruption probe has been cancelled, federal prosecutors in Maryland said.

Johnson (D-Mitchellville), 59, and her husband, former county executive Jack B. Johnson (D), 61, were arrested in November as part of an investigation into whether public officials in the county accepted and solicited bribes.

In March, prosecutors filed a criminal information charging Leslie Johnson with conspiracy to commit witness and evidence tampering, a legal step that means a defendant is likely to enter a guilty plea. Sources close to the case who spoke on condition of anonymity said that at the time, Johnson’s legal team was negotiating a deal with prosecutors.

Johnson’s defense attorney Shawn M. Wright could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland said the hearing cancelled, but declined further comment.

Robert C. Bonsib, a criminal defense attorney who worked as a federal prosecutor and is not involved in the case, said one possibility for the cancellation is that attorneys on both sides were unable to agree on the details of a plea deal.

“Typically, when a criminal information is filed is suggests as plea has been agreed to,” Bonsib said. “When the plea hearing is cancelled, it suggest the agreement has fallen apart, though there are other possibilities.”

The case against Leslie Johnson is part of a six-year corruption investigation that prosecutors say involves other county officials and business people. The probe revealed that developers and others had been "regularly providing things of value" to public officials in return for favors, prosecutors said.

In addition to Leslie and Jack Johnson, seven other people, including three Prince George’s County police officers, have been charged in connection with the broad investigation.

The charges against Leslie Johnson stem from her alleged actions the day of her Nov. 12 arrest. According to court papers, she was overheard on a wiretap conspiring with her husband to flush a $100,000 check from a developer down the toilet and hide $79,600 in her undergarments.

Jack Johnson was indicted Feb. 14 on bribery charges, and prosecutors allege he accepted more than $200,000 from a developer in return for favors. He pleaded not guilty and said he will fight the charges.

Two Pr. George’s officers who beat motorist on video in 2008 return to full duty

2011-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Two Pr. George’s officers who beat motorist on video in 2008 return to full duty.
Post, 30 Apr 2011 (Castaneda).

Two Prince George’s County police officers who beat and pepper-sprayed a motorist during a 2008 traffic stop — an incident that led to the county paying a $125,000 settlement to the driver — have received additional training and returned to full duty, officials said.

The officers, John Wynkoop and Scott Wilson, were each found guilty of administrative charges during separate trial boards in January, said Capt. Misty Mints, a department spokeswoman. Mints said state personnel laws prevented her from disclosing additional details, but she said both officers underwent training and are now on full-time patrol duty.

Wynkoop and Wilson did not respond to messages left at their stations.

Wynkoop and Wilson had both been in administrative jobs, in which they did not have contact with the public, for more than a year, a police union official said.

Last week, Wynkoop was promoted from the rank of patrol officer to patrol officer first class, Mints said.

In February 2010, the county agreed to pay $125,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by Rafael A. Rodriguez, 31, a driver who accused Wynkoop and Wilson of false arrest and excessive force during a 2008 traffic stop in College Park. The incident was recorded by a video device mounted in a police car.

The officers stopped Rodriguez about 8 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2008, because they thought his car had an illegal blue-tinted turn-signal light, Wynkoop said in a charging document. After a conversation with Rodriguez, the officers returned to their cruiser, the video shows.

The officers returned to Rodriguez, and Wynkoop ordered him to turn off the engine and get out. Rodriguez did not immediately comply, and Wynkoop reached in and pulled him out, the video shows.

During a confrontation captured on video, Wynkoop slammed Rodriguez against the car and handcuffed one of his hands, and Wilson pepper-sprayed Rodriguez. The men briefly went out of camera range. Later, the video shows, Wilson struck Rodriguez with a police baton.

In the police charging document, Wynkoop wrote that Rodriguez, whom he charged with two counts of assault, struck him in the stomach with a closed fist. The video does not show Rodriguez trying to hit either officer.

Wynkoop is now assigned as a patrol officer in District III, based in Palmer Park, and Wilson is a patrol officer to District II, which is headquartered in Upper Marlboro, officials said.

Prosecutors dropped charges against Rodriguez.

Examiner: New extortion charges filed against two PG cops

2011-03-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

(Sinisa Simic & Mirza Kujundzic also facing earlier charges) http://is.gd/lS4mgu

Scandals Update (18 Feb 2011)

2011-02-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

Post: Loyalists of Prince George's Jack Johnson feeling betrayed http://is.gd/HQ37QV .

Scandals & Ethics Reform Update (17 Feb 2011)

2011-02-17T23:59:00.000-08:00

ZoeTillman #Morningside passes new ethics legislation following scandal; Town also debates proposed nearby 250-bus #Metro garage http://bit.ly/fvRGgp
PGD9Politico @melcouncil9 Yes, it was a surprise to me that the County even had an Ethics Board. Most are unaware it exists. in to melcouncil9
gazette_net After the federal indictment Monday of former Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D), some residents... http://fb.me/VFsGNEBL
TBDFactsMachine Rushern Baker's decision to audit the county housing department looks pretty good right now. #jackjohnson .

Civil trial in 2008 police killing of Manuel de Jesus Espina, 43

2011-02-17T04:18:00.000-08:00

Espina, Manuel de Jesus, 43 (8.085) [p]

PGCrime Civil trial begins for Langley Park man killed by Prince George's police officer - http://tinyurl.com/4t9fvgg
Post: Witnesses: Cop shot unresisting man http://is.gd/FrY6Zm

Note: Officer Jackson defended by Daniel Karp

Scandals & Ethics Reform Update (16 Feb 2011)

2011-02-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

Jack Johnson:

Post: Jack Johnson's indictment: Another blow to Prince George's (Editorial) http://is.gd/DT5S9n How much more growth and progress might have occurred if the county's top official had exercised some semblance of ethical leadership?
GGLaurelLeader Updated story on former PG county exec Johnson, who was indicted by grand jury Feb. 14. Revealing transcripts released http://t.co/Uv4U6Pj
marylandmoment Activist holds vigil in hopes that Jack Johnson will enter a plea to federal charges: Miranda S. Spivak reports ... http://bit.ly/fqfM2F
TBDFactsMachine Activist hopes prayer vigil can convince Jack Johnson to cop a plea: http://wapo.st/hJ9t5m "He ought to use that money to help poor people."

Leslie Johnson:

Examiner: Former prosecutors: Leslie Johnson may be looking for a deal http://is.gd/Tiv41K

Ethics Board:

PG-Politics: PG County's Pretend Ethics Board http://is.gd/RrtuTx Post says PG Ethics Board reveiws ethics forms for completeness, not conflicts http://is.gd/Y2Vdhn So what's the point of having board or forms?
melcouncil9 Briefing yesterday: County Ethics Board's powers are woefully inadequate. It should have power to subpoena & initiate investigations. #fb
melcouncil9 The County Exec. & County Council must work in unity to reform this unacceptable situation w/ our Ethics Board: http://tiny.cc/i4u7i. #fb
Post: Corruption probe of Johnsons renews ethics reform debate in Prince George's http://is.gd/S4ods2 Board could set up regular ethics training for the county's 6,000 employees, but it has not done so for 24 years. Not independent from county attorney and under county executive. There has been a vacancy on the five-member board for several years. County Council members, including chair Ingrid Turner (D-4), have resisted Baker's overtures toward ethics reform,
Examiner: P.G. ethics board didn't meet last year http://is.gd/5ADd5c board, appointed by county executive, cannot initiate investigations
TBDFactsMachine At least 7 things are preventing the Prince George's County Ethics Board from reaching its full potential as a watchdog http://tbd.ly/g8sJUA
TBD What's holding back the PG County Ethics Board? Let us count the ways: http://tbd.ly/g8sJUA (via @TBDFactsMachine)
ElaheIzadi Why didn't the Prince George's County Ethics Board stop Jack Johnson's alleged wrongdoings? http://tbd.ly/fA3otu
marylandmoment Prince George's ethics review commission sees challenges in cleaning up county: A commission created by Prince G... http://bit.ly/hQ0jXm
marylandmoment: Prince George's ethics review commission : Review of 2/15 ACI meeting http://bit.ly/hQ0jXm

Recent Prince George's County News: Jack Johnson Indicted (14 Feb 2011)

2011-02-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

AlexPappasDC My story on Fmr. Pr. George's County Exec Jack Johnson's corruption indictment http://bit.ly/gTAN6E
baltimorecharm Former Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson indicted http://sns.ly/tmbXy6
DCAbloob full text of Jack Johnson federal indictment, courtesy TBD (PDF file) http://j.mp/hpprpl #pgcounty #jackjohnson
DCAbloob Yes, the indictment includes a transcript of the telephone call in which Jack Johnson told his wife where to hide the money.
DCAbloob Public Official A is then-Department of Housing and Community Development Director James Johnson | #jackjohnson http://j.mp/eMZtx2
GGLaurelLeader Eight-count grand jury indictment against former PG county exec #Jack Johnson includes bribery, extortion and conspiracy http://t.co/sdB7zGu
GGLaurelLeader Indictment against former PG county exec #Johnson alleges he conspired w/indicted liquor store owner Amrik Melhi to conceal campaign funds
GreenbeltPatch Just got back from the courthouse after hearing the District Attorney speak, story to come soon.
HyattsvllePatch Grand Jury brought indictment against Johnson #Hyattsville #Patch
kryan1035 PG Council member Lesley Johnson, now holding District 6 seat NOT named in Jack Johnson indictment--she faces separate criminal complaint.
News_PGCounty Former PG County Executive Jack Johnson indicted on eight counts relating to the FBI's corruption probe. http://tinyurl.com/65e4h28
PGCrime Johnson indictment alleges bribery, extortion - http://tinyurl.com/4u9o9nl
@PGD9Politico Re Who is Candidate A? My question: How many Candidate As do we have? Or how many people thnk/fear they are Candidate A?
PGD9Politico Jackson, Bland, & Magee were all publicly allied with Johnson. Alsobrooks also had ties, but I doubt she was Candidate A. Others possible...
PGD9Politico Kudos! ACI Task Force (PG Ethics group) has web page w/ online public comment form, agendas, and mtg dates (Feb. 15/26) http://tiny.cc/gt8iu
PKBNews RT @TBD: PG Co. press conference on #JackJohnson indictment streaming at tbd.com/tv Also, @TBDFactsMachine tweeting at the scene.
postcrime Johnson, former Prince George's county executive, charged with taking $200,000 in bribes http://wapo.st/hjuDyl
postlocal Former Prince George's County exec Jack Johnson indicted on at least 8 counts, including bribery, witness and evidence tampering.
postlocal The details on Jack Johnson's indictment. http://wapo.st/eJ7yvE
realpgcounty Same day J. Johnson indicted 4 bribery charges, Rushern Baker announces new fundraiser to deal with large campaign debt http://t.co/LpEQgmC
TBDFactsMachine Jack Johnson indicted on conspiracy, bribery and extortion charges: http://tbd.ly/gDuj22 | Latest version of our story.
TBD #JackJohnson indictment hints at larger corruption in PG Co. involving developers & unnamed public officials. http://tbd.ly/dQwRtI
tbd247 'Put (the cash) in your bra': The Jack Johnson phone call FBI transcript http://tbd.ly/eZT4IS
tbd247 Jack Johnson charged in corruption probe: The teddy bear transcript http://tbd.ly/grYr58
WTOPinMD Jack Johnson indicted on corruption charges http://bit.ly/eIRdhp #WTOP

Muffley vs. Turner (CAL1037537)

2011-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Date: 01/10/2011

Document Name: Judgment for Plaintiff
Docket Text: 005a Judgment entered in favor of Plaintiff Shelly R. Muffley and against Defendant Henry C. Turner, Jr. in the amount of Two Million One Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Nine dollars and Sixty cents ($2,169,359.60). mec

Date: 01/10/2011

Document Name: Judgment for Plaintiff
Docket Text: 005c Judgment entered in favor of Plaintiff Shelly R. Muffley and against Defendant Ingrid Turner in the amount of Two Million One Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Nine dollars and Sixty cents ($2,169,359.60). mec

Date: 01/10/2011

Document Name: Judgment for Plaintiff
Docket Text: 005b Judgment entered in favor of Plaintiff Shelly R. Muffley and against Defendant Winifred Turner in the amount of Two Million One Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Nine dollars and Sixty cents ($2,169,359.60). mec

Prince George's corruption probe: Melhi, Moreno seek to have evidence supressed

2010-12-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

TBD Justice, Robillard, 13 Dec 2010

Melhi Companies Line Prince George's Officials' Election Coffers

2010-12-11T03:15:00.000-08:00

The Melhi Corp. and Tick Tock Management contributed thousands to the campaigns of several Prince George's County elected officials in the last decade.
CNS, Nealy, 11 Dec 2010
(Another link)

Baker, Rushern ($1,500)
Benson, Joanne C. ($500)
Delabrer, Richard (Sgt)
Jackson, Michael ($3.050)
Johnson, Jack B. ($3,150)
Johnson, Leslie F. ($1,500)
Kim, Chong Chen (Cpl.)
Melhi, Amrik S.
Melhi Corp.
Melhi, Ravinder K.
Ramirez, Victor ($1,500)
Tick Tock Liquors
Tick Tock Management

Environment department cites Benson over two properties

2010-12-10T03:27:00.000-08:00

Gazette, Hyslop, 20 Dec 2010

Benson, Joanne C. (Sen, D-24)

New interim police leader targets suspensions, moonlighting

2010-12-07T02:26:00.000-08:00

Chief Magaw announces changes to tackle Prince George's department problems
Gazette, Noble, 7 Dec 2010

Cunningham, Gary (Lt. Col.)
Magaw, Mark A.

Jack Johnson's stamp on affordable-housing program in Prince George's (1/2)

2010-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Post, Wiggins, 4 Dec 2010

Allentown Associates LP
Artspace Limited Partnership
Baig, Mirza H. A., Real estate partner of Jack Johnson
Copeland, M. Scott
Developer A
Edson, Richard
Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP)
Jericho Housing Development LLC
Johnson, Jack B., Real estate partner of Mirza Baig
Johnson, Leslie F.
Marenberg, Sandy, Introduce Mirza Baig to Roots of Mankind
Omega Gold
Roots of Mankind Corp.
RST Development LLC
Stavrou, N. Stephen

Registered agent for Glenmore Associates
Registered Agent for Stavrou Associates

St. Paul Community Development Corp.
SUR Developers and Builders

Whitmire, Cynthia, Director of programs at Roots of Mankind
Victory Housing

Jack Johnson's stamp on affordable-housing program in Prince George's (2/2)

2010-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Cont. for more labels

Feds take over investigation of police beating of student after basketball game

2010-12-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Post, Zapotosky & Castaneda, 3 Dec 2010

Officer pleads not guilty to trafficking

2010-12-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

Post, Glod, 3 Dec 2010

Simic, Sinisa (Police officer)

Now entering their appearances…new Prince George’s corruption counsel!

2010-12-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Daily Record, Kearney, 2 Dec 2010

Blank Rome LLP
Currie, Ulysses (Sen, D-25)
Johnson, Jack B.
Johnson, Leslie F.
Martin, William R. 'Billy' (Attorney for Jack Johnson)
Patterson, Roland N., Jr. (Attorney for Leslie Johnson)
Rosenstein, Rod J. (US Attorney)
Shoppers Food Warehouse
Wise, Leo
Wright, Shawn M. (Attorney for Leslie Johnson)

Turner and Associates LLC vs NSN Excavating Inc (CAL10-36043)

2010-11-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Court System:Circuit Court for Prince George's County - Civil System
Case Number:CAL10-36043
Case Description:Turner and Associates LLC vs NSN Excavating Inc
Case Type:Contract
Filing Date:11/18/2010
Case Status:Active Status

Party Type: DefendantParty No.:4
Name: Shelly Muffley
Address: 1430 Wild Cranberry Court
City: CrownsvilleState:MDZip Code:21032

Former Prince George’s County Police Officer Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison in Bank Break-In

2010-11-18T16:22:00.000-08:00

US Attorney, Distict of Maryland, 18 Oct 2010

GREENBELT, MD—U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced former Prince George’s County Police officer Eddie Lee Smith, Jr., age 42, of Fort Washington, Maryland, today to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a scheme to break into a bank to steal money from the ATM. Judge Messitte also entered an order that Smith pay restitution of $10,170.94, for the damage caused to the ATM. [More]

Smith, Eddie Lee, Jr.

9 more arrested in Prince George's corruption probe (1/2)

2010-11-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

Post, Castaneda, Helderman, & Duggan, 16 Nov 2010

Chen, Chun
Granzow, Karl L., Jr.
Johnson, Jack B.
Johnson, Leslie F.
Kujundzic, Mirza
Maloney, Timothy, Attorney for Karl Granzow
Melhi, Amrik S.
Melhi, Ravinder K.
Milijkovic, Amir
Moreno, Jose
Pitroff, Eugene, Attorney for Amrick Melhi & others
Rosenstein, Rod J. (US Attorney)

See second message for police officers

9 more arrested in Prince George's corruption probe (2/2)

2010-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Post, Castaneda, Helderman, & Duggan, 16 Nov 2010

See first message for other names

Some funds awarded to Pr. George's HOME program tied to corruption probe

2010-11-15T23:10:00.000-08:00

Post, Wiggins & Spivack, 15 Nov 2010

HOME program has troubled history in Prince George's County

2010-11-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

Washington Business Journal, Krouse, 15 Nov 2010

Wonder what O'Malley MDEC appointee Dana Stebbins-consultant to Greenbelt Station project in Jack Johnson case-knows.

2010-11-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Twitter, Mark Newgent, 14 Nov 2010

Greenbelt Station
Stebbins, Dana

After arrests of Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and wife, more are expected

2010-11-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

Post, Thompson & Cauvin, 13 Nov 2010

Corruption accusations in gorgeous Prince George's

2010-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

Sun, Linskey, 13 Nov 2010

Jack Johnson, Prince George's county executive, and his wife, Leslie, arrested

2010-11-13T00:57:00.000-08:00

Post, Schwartzman, Castaneda, & Thompson, 13 Nov 2010

Johnson, wife charged by feds in pay-to-play scheme

2010-11-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

Prince George's County executive accused of taking $120K in exchange for federal development funds
Gazette, Tillman, Noble, & Hill, 12 Nov 2010

Affidavit in Support of Criminal Complaints

2010-11-12T02:59:00.000-08:00

12 Nov 2010

Probe widens into alleged cheating by Pr. George's officers-in-training; more than 30 officers involved

2010-10-06T04:01:00.000-07:00

Post, Zapotosky, 6 Oct 2010

Md. probes extortion claims

2010-06-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Post, Wiggins, 24 Jun 2010

Ahmed, Parvez, Emplyee of Arun Luthra
Anderson, Stephanie, Attorney for PG County
Arrington, Michael, Defendant
Bland, Marilynn, Defendant
Boswell, Iris, Defendant
Dukes, Charles, Defendant
Exum, Camille, Defendant
Johnson, Jack B.m Defendant
Knotts, Tony, Defendant
Luthra, Arun, Developer, plaintiff
McDonough, Thomas M., Deputy state prosecutor
Piper, Pamela H., Former director of central services
Shurberg, Jonathan S., Attorney for Aurn Luthra
Turner, Ingrid, Defendant

State looking into Prince George's County bribery complaints, source says

2010-06-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

American Hospitality owner, staff member to testify before grand jury on lawmakers' alleged dealingsGazette, Valentine, 21 Jun 2010

Pay to play in Prince George's

2010-05-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Post, Editorial, 4 May 2010

Lawyer in Md. suit says political favors 'not unlawful'

2010-05-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Post, Wiggins, 1 May 2010

Ahmed, Parvez
American Hospitality Management
Anderson, Stephanie PG County attorney
Bland, Marilynn
Exum, Camille
Johnson, Jack B.
Karp, Daniel
Karpinski Colaresi & Karp
Knotts, Tony
Luthra, Arun, Developer
Shurberg, Jonathan S. (Attorney for Arun Luthra)
Turner, Ingrid

Effort to replace Prince George's Planning Board chairman faces resistance

2010-02-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

Post, Mummolo & Wiggins, 26 Feb 2010

American Hospitality vs Prince Georges County

2010-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Maryland Judiciary Case Search (requires agreement to terms before loading specific pages)
Circuit Court for Prince George's County - Civil System, filed 19 Jan 2010

American Hospitality Management, Plaintiff
Arrington, Michael, Defendant
Bland, Marilynn, Defendant
Boswell, Iris, Defendant
Capital Legislative Solutions LLC, Defendant

Serve Michael Arrington

Dukes, Charles, Defendant
Exum, Camille, Defendant
Johnson, Jack B.m Defendant
Knotts, Tony, Defendant
Scheer Partners, Inc., Defendant

Serve Robert I. Scheer

Turner, Ingrid, Defendant

HUD wants $2 million back from Pr. George's

2010-01-17T03:56:00.000-08:00

Post, Mummolo, 17 Jan 2010

Suburb Braces for An End to Tranquility

2009-09-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

Pr. George's Backs Major Development Of Westphalia Area
Post, Wiggins, 28 Sep 2009

Camp, Marva Jo, Spokeswoman for Westphalia developers
Colton, Daniel I., Developer
Dean, Samuel
Greenbelt Station
Ricker, Patrick
Westphalia

D.C. Area Officers Subject of FBI Probe

2009-07-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

Did Police Take Money to Protect Gambling Ring?
Post, Davis, 19 Jul 2009

Smith, Eddie (CPL, bank robber)
Unnamed officers may be connected to murder of Dewayne Dunmore, 37, by repeat murderer Benjamin Perry Jr.,
Unnamed other officers

Three Friends in Glare of Pr. George's Probe

2008-10-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Post, Helderman, Wiggins, & Cauvin. 3 Oct 2008

Colton, Daniel I., Developer
Day Homes
Day, Thomas
Gainey, Jerome (father-in-law of Patrick Ricker)
Granzow, Karl L., Jr.
Greenbelt Station
Hendershot, Florence
Hendershot, Thomas R.
Ricker, Patrick
Shapiro, Peter

Suburb Braces for An End to Tranquility

2008-09-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Post, Wiggins, 28 Sep 2008

Offices of 2 Senior Aides Searched By FBI in Probe, Executive Says

2008-09-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Post, Wiggins & Helderman, 16 Sep 2008

Brennan, William C., Attorney for Patrick Ricker
Byrd, David
Colton, Daniel I., Developer
Dougherty, J. Michael PG County director of finance
Granzow, Karl L., Jr.
Greenbelt Station
Hendershot, Thomas R.
Johnson, Jack B.
Ricker, Patrick, Developer

FBI Raid Included Officials' Houses; Greenbelt Station Appears to Be Area of Interest

2008-09-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

Post, Helderman & Hernandez, 15 Sep 2008

Colton, Daniel I., Developer
Dernoga, Thomas Outgoing council member (D-1)
Dougherty, J. Michael PG County director of finance
Gaines, Tawanna P., Delegate (D-22)
Granzow, Karl L., Jr.
Greenbelt Station
Hendershot, Thomas R.
Jacobs, David
Maloney, Timothy , Attorney for Karl Granzow
Ricker, Patrick
Trend, Inc.
Wilson, Wilbert R.

Sweetheart Deals

2008-07-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

Post, Thompson & Flaherty

Accused of theft: Aide to council chair Exum

2007-10-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Warrant rescinded for County Council aide; State’s attorney still considering whether to prosecute employee.
Gazette, 1 Nov 2007 (Valentine).

Council Aide on Leave Amid Theft Allegations.
Post, 23 Oct 2007 (Helderman & Rondeaux).

Exum Aide Put on Leave Amid Check Fraud Allegations.
wtopnews.com, 23 Oct 2007 (AP).
wjla.com, 23 Oct 2007 (AP).
wjz, 23 Oct 2007 (AP).

Exum Aide Put on Leave Amid Check Fraud Allegations.

2007-10-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

Post, Helderman & Rondeau, 23 Oct 2007

State prosecutor subpoenas members of National Harbor grant committee

2007-08-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Gazette, Mustikhan & Berger, 17 Aug 2007

Credit Card Use Probed By U.S., Sources Say

2007-05-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

Post, Rich & Helderman, 19 May 2007

2007-05-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

Post, Castaneda, 12 May 2007

Thomas, Robert L.

Johnson's Wife Is Part Of New Grants Board

2007-05-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

Pr. George's Official Was Silent on Issue
Post, Flaherty & Thompson, 6 May 2007

Grants Go to Allies Of Grantors, Johnson

2007-04-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Some Pr. George's Groups Didn't Seek Funds
Post, Thompson, Flaherty, & Helderman, 16 Apr 2007

New PG Council Rewards Corruption; Picks Credit Card Abusers as Leaders

2006-12-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

Exum, Harrington take top Prince George’s Council postsTuesday, Dec. 5, 2006
by Judson Berger
Gazette Staff Writer

Four under investigation for alleged unauthorized use of county credit cards
Gazette, 30 Nov 2006 (Berger).

Credit card déja vu
Gazette, 24 Nov 2006 (Editorial).

Pr. George's Calls On Md. Prosecutor; Officials' Visa Bills Will Be Reviewed
Post, 28 Nov 2006 (Thompson).

What's Yours Is Mine; Especially if you live in Prince George's County -- and I am elected to serve you.
Post, 25 Nov 2006 (Editorial).

Prince George's Taxpayers Pick Up Officials' Personal Tabs; Records Show Thousands of Dollars Charged to County-Issued Cards in Violation of Policy
Post, 20 Nov 2006 (Thompson).

Exum, Harrington take top Prince George’s Council posts

2006-12-05T04:13:00.000-08:00

Gazette, Berger, 5 Dec 2006

Four under investigation for alleged unauthorized use of county credit cards

2006-11-30T04:13:00.000-08:00

Gazette, Berger, 30 Nov 2006

Prince George's Taxpayers Pick Up Officials' Personal Tabs

2006-11-30T04:10:00.000-08:00

Records Show Thousands of Dollars Charged to County-Issued Cards in Violation of Policy
Post, Thompson, 20 Nov 2006

Exum, Camille
Harrington, David
Johnson, Jack B.

Residents Fume Over Expense Accounts

2006-11-30T04:07:00.000-08:00

Post, Helderman, 20 Nov 2006

Pr. George's Calls On Md. Prosecutor; Officials' Visa Bills Will Be Reviewed

2006-11-28T04:11:00.000-08:00

Post, Thompson, 28 Nov 2006

More on PG County Credit Card Corruption

2006-11-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

The November 20 Washington Post story: "Prince George's Taxpayers Pick Up Officials' Personal Tabs; Records Show Thousands of Dollars Charged to County-Issued Cards in Violation of Policy" generated a fair amount of discussion, especially about some of the lame excuses put forward by various officials.

The Gazette followed up with a November 22 editorial mentioning that the Gazette had been reporting on similar issues since 2000. In the editorial, the Gazette said:

If Prince George's is to ever overcome its reputation for ethical ''lapses," policies and processes regarding officials' expenditures must be overhauled immediately.
Those who fail to repay the county government for personal expenses in the time allotted should have their credit cards revoked. Abuse of these benefits should be announced to the public – residents should know if representatives are not willing to abide by county laws.
Repayment for personal expenses must be made by check so there is a paper trail – the county should be ashamed of making photocopies of cash as proof of payment – and documentation must be stored long-term.

And the November 27 Wasington Post has letters from unhappy taxpayers.

But the Gazette and letter writers don't go far enough. What we need is a strictly enforced procedure that results in promptly posting on the county web site detailed information about all expenditures by county elected officials using taxpayer's money.

Several of our elected officials have shown very clearly that they cannot be trusted to use county-issued credit cards either honestly or wisely.

And the rest--those who were not caught this time--have shown just as clearly that they cannot be trusted to police their colleagues.

As the Gazette said:

If Prince George's is to ever overcome its reputation for ethical ''lapses," policies and processes regarding officials' expenditures must be overhauled immediately.

It is time to start demanding that our scoff-law lawmakers obey the law.

More on PG County Credit Card Corruption

2006-11-27T04:06:00.000-08:00

What's Yours Is Mine; Especially if you live in Prince George's County -- and I am elected to serve you.

2006-11-26T04:10:00.000-08:00

Post, Editorial, 25 Nov 2006

Credit card déja vu

2006-11-24T04:12:00.000-08:00

Gazette, Editorial, 24 Nov 2006

Prince George's County Executive Aids Friends (Comment)

2006-08-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Comparisons between the contracting practices of the Jack Johnson and Wayne Curry administrations are enivitable and serve to prove one basic point: Johnson awards consulting contracts to folks who admittedly possess no experience or expertise, while Curry made sure consultants had the knowledge and skills to fulfil their contract responsibilities. In the case of Currys friend, Linda Botts, the lady had years of supervisory and managerial government experience in social services and welfare related matters. So when the welfare to work initiative was created she retired from County government with a full pension and went into business. Last time I checked Ms. Botts company had been awarded similar contracts throughout the United States for a whole lot of $$$. Not bad for the friend of a local politician. And in the case of that other Curry friend, William Miller, I believe he was the former federal inspector general IG who Curry enticed to work for the County by offering him a significant pay cut. IGs are responsible for the auditing and investigation of massive programs to detect fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, and to promote efficiencies and economies in goverment. So when Curry asked Miller to monitor the countys huge school construction inititiatve, it was been there, done that. And theres another telling distinction between Johnson and Curry contracting practices: Curry required--and received--significantly detailled and regular consultant reports. In the case of the Johnson administration, however, the standard seems to be: Dont write a report if there is nothing to say.

By pgdave | Aug 10, 2006 9:21:58 AM

Prince George's County Executive Aids Friends (Comment)

2006-08-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Gee. Remember Wayne Curry, the millionaire former county executive that preceded Jack Son of Wayne Johnson in office? Both men have brought tremendous shame on the nations wealthiest, majority black county. Under Curry, Linda Botts quit her $99,000 a year job with Curry to form a brand new company and voila! Two days later she received a $65,000 contract from Curry. And then there was William D. Miller II, who had a PG salary of $116 K / yr. and within 3 days of quitting that job he magically received a 1/2 million dollar contract non-competed from Curry. Then, of course, there is the fact that only Friends of Wayne FOW i.e., campaign donors were able to get lucrative contracts building and guarding FedEx field. Space prohibits listing all of Currys insider dealings, but they were extensive. One final shot: Both Wayne Curry and Jack Johnson have inexplicably insisted that one of the most controversial, divisive, insider-dealing, backbiting politicos from PG be PGs representative on the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. Yes, sports fans, I am referring to the unsinkable but NOT incorruptible Juanita Miller. Among other things, in 2004 Curry/Johnson protege Juanita Miller helped bring WSSC rate payers within days of a boiled water alert because she refused to let a non-minority owned firm supply a critical purification chemical to WSSC. If these small samples constitute good government then I can do without it. I cant imagine why anyone, black or white, would have voted for Jack Johnson or for Wayne Curry.

By tim | Aug 9, 2006 6:03:28 PM |

Still more on PG County Credit Card Corruption

2006-01-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

Rather than cut up the cards as suggested at the end of the article, the county should begin posting, on the county's web site, a full accounting of ALL the expenditures, whether credit card or other means of payment, made by our elected officials.

Our elected officials, both the offenders and the others, have made it clear they they cannot be trusted to monitor spending, so they should make the data readily available for both citizens and the press to monitor how our money is spent.

On 11/30/06, Jacob Andoh wrote:

Source/credit: Washington Post, Thursday, November 30, 2006;
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/29/AR2006112901394_pf.html

Residents Fume Over Expense Accounts
Inquiry Underway Into Officials' Credit Card Use

By Rosalind S. Helderman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 30, 2006; B02

Officials in Prince George's continue to hear from angry constituents concerned that public officials have charged thousands of dollars to their county-issued credit cards to pay for personal expenses, violating county policy. Even as State Prosecutor Robert A. Rohrbaugh launches an investigation, the County Council has pledged to work on a parallel track to review procedures for use of the cards and appropriate business expenditures.

A recent Washington Post article examined county records and found that over the past four years, council members and County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) have charged thousands of dollars to county Visa cards for expenses such as clothing, gym memberships and plane tickets. The revelations have hit a nerve for some county residents, coming only a few months after the disclosure that in Johnson's first term, he awarded several million dollars in county contracts to friends and supporters, some of whom produced no work in return.
As a result, Johnson battled charges of corruption from former delegate Rushern L. Baker III before the Democratic primary for executive in September. Johnson narrowly defeated Baker in a race that most predicted would not be close.

"The one-word summary on people's reaction is outrage," said Stan Fetter, a community activist from Accokeek. "The contracting business a few months ago and now this? It all stinks to high heaven."

The council did not address the matter at its public meeting Tuesday, and Johnson declined to comment on the investigation.

Council Chairman Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Laurel) said he has fielded a dozen e-mails and phone calls in response to the credit-card usage. Ramon Korionoff, spokesman for State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey, said his office received about 40 calls and e-mails demanding an investigation. Ivey referred the matter to Rohrbaugh.

"There have been many angry constituents calling about this matter," Korionoff said. "Many of them have suggested that if they were to do that sort of thing, they might either be fired or criminally prosecuted."

It has also been a popular topic on Internet mailing lists, where residents have taken Johnson and the council to task.

Dernoga said he believed that The Post article "blurred the distinction between personal expenses, which must be reimbursed, and expenses that qualify as business expenses. However, they may be argued to be extravagant."

He said that based on his discussions with staff members, he believed that all personal expenses had been repaid by council members near the time they were incurred and that the investigation would prove it. He said the council will review its policies on how much is appropriate to spend on legitimate county expenses.

Jim Keary, a spokesman for Johnson, said his office has received only three phone calls and possibly no e-mails on the issue. Keary said he spoke to each of the callers, convincing each that Johnson's expenses were legitimate.

"What's important is that once people find out the entire truth on it, they have a complete understanding," he said.

He said he explained that a 2005 trip Johnson took to Senegal was for the dedication of a $46 million project by a Prince George's developer. Johnson used his county credit card to pay $6,003 for business-class plane tickets.

Keary also explained that a trip to Las Vegas, for which Johnson stayed at the Bellagio hotel, resulted in important business deals for the county.

Those explanations did little to sway Alonzo Grigsby, a resident from Fort Washington. "When you go to places like the Bellagio, you're trying to get first-class accommodations," he said. "I just don't think that's absolutely necessary for county officials."

Fetter said he was doubtful that the council and Johnson could fully investigate their own actions. He said they should cease their use of the county-issued credit cards. Elected officials in the region's two similar-size jurisdictions, Montgomery and Fairfax counties, do not receive credit cards.

"The council should pull out their cards," he said "Everyone should put them in a pile and cut them up. I want to watch it on TV. Anything short of that is lip service."

Hoffler-Riddick found guilty of money laundering

2005-10-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

HAMPTON ROADS News (Printable Version): "Hoffler-Riddick found guilty of money laundering
The Virginian-Pilot
� October 14, 2005
Last updated: 7:02 PM

Pamela Hoffler-Riddick

Background: Ex-Norfolk educator portrayed in trial as naive
NORFOLK — A jury late today found Pamela Hoffler-Riddick, the former Norfolk schools official, guilty of five counts of money laundering in a wide-ranging drug conspiracy.

Hoffler-Riddick, 44, stood stoical as the court clerk read the verdict. She faces up to 20 years in prison when she is sentenced in January.

She and her attorney declined to comment following the verdict.

An indictment accused Hoffler-Riddick of funneling about $16,000 in drug proceeds through her credit union account in the fall of 2000. She claimed she had no idea that her then-boyfriend, John Cecil McBride, was using her to hide his drug gains.

Federal agents estimate that the ring distributed about $20 million in marijuana and cocaine, imported largely from Mexico and trucked or flown to Hampton Roads and other locations between 1996 and 2004. Hoffler-Riddick was not charged with any drug offenses.

Hoffler-Riddick had been a standout educator in Virginia Beach and in Norfolk. As principal of Ruffner Middle School from 1994 to 1997, she gained recognition by instituting uniforms as a way to improve student behavior. She went on to administrator positions in the Washington suburbs but lost a $138,000-a-year job after her arrest.

For the full story, see Saturday's Virginian-Pilot and PilotOnline.com."

Teacher budget may pay for administrative overruns

2005-04-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

Teacher budget may pay for administrative overruns

School leaders in Prince George's County are holding onto $26 million that had been allocated for teachers' salaries, and plan to use it to help offset overspending of about $13 million on administration salaries.

Last year, the Prince George's Board of Education and Schools CEO Andre J. Hornsby requested almost $504 million for teachers' salaries, but now expects to spend about $478 million by the end of fiscal 2005 in June. [More]

PG Asst. Supt. Arrested on Drug Charges

2005-01-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

PG Asst. Supt. Arrested on Drug Charges

Fwd: Channel 9 News "Assistant Superintendent Busted in Drug Ring"

Sen. Lawlah praises Johnson and Hornsby

2005-01-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

Post, 13 Jan 2005

Governor's Visit to Include Town Hall Meeting

By Ovetta Wiggins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 13, 2005; Page PG02
. . .
Sen. Gloria G. Lawlah (D-Hillcrest Heights) praised Johnson for bringing the delegation together. She also lavished praise on schools chief Andre J. Hornsby, who was in attendance as well, for the work he has done in the school system.

Comment:

I don't understand!

Murders and car thefts are up on Johnson's watch. The schools remain lousy and Hornsby is under investigation.

Why the praise, especially for Hornsby?

Does Sen. Lawlah endorse ethics violations, school bus and report card problems, audit delays?

And how about Johnson's failure to deal with the ongoing, graffiti-covered Oxon Hill Library fiasco in Sen. Lawlah's own district?

Does Sen. Lawlah somehow have the difference between success and failure turned around in her mind?

Feds now investigating school chief Hornsby

2004-11-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

Feds now investigating school chief Hornsby

Post: Pr. George's Schools Panel To Study Contract Awards

Re: Feds now investigating school chief Hornsby

Why does the school system have ethics rules?

2004-10-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Both the Sun and the Post have run a number of stories about the appearence of improper behavior by PG school CEO Andre J. Hornsby.

The school board's ethic rules prohibit "even the appearance of improper influence."

According to press reports, Beatrice Tignor, chair of the non-elected patronage school board is not concerned by Hornsby's apparent violation of the rules. There is no indication that the board plans to enforce its own rules.

Quoted by the Post, Howard Tutman, president of the County Council of PTAs, said the inquiries into Hornsby's conduct are "another distraction."

As far as the school board and PTA folks are concerned, Hornsby's apparent violation of the ethics rules is unimportant. That's a great message for the CEO and his employers to be communicating to the staff and public.

Obviously, the messages here are

the rules are not important, and
if rules are made to be broken, it's ok to violate the other rules too, right?

Wouldn't we be better off without the rules and accompanying hypocrisy?

Ex-Aides To Curry Awarded Contracts

2000-07-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

Linda W. Botts:
          Linda W. Botts is Wayne Curry’s former deputy chief administrative officer at a salary of $99,000/year. While still employed by Curry, Botts established Ashlin Management Group.
          Botts quit her job with Curry at the beginning of August 1996. Two days later, county records show her firm received a $65,000 contract from the county. Before the end of the year, the county blessed her firm with another $475,000 contract. The Post’s research revealed that Botts’ company, Ashlin Management, so far has performed more than $1.6 million in contract services for the county, some of which were no-bid, non-competed contract awards.
          Botts and her husband have contributed more than $18,000 to Wayne Curry’s two successful campaigns for Prince Georges County executive.
          Botts’ first $65,000 contract with the county was to train her successor. (Most employers take a different route to train replacement personnel: they keep the incoming and outgoing individual on the payroll while the training takes place.)

PG-Politics-Scandals

Taxicab Drivers Allege Ethics Violations and Demand an Investigation

Richard Delabrer (former police sergeant) pleads guilty

Post: Guilty plea in black-market cigarette scheme

Jack Johnson pleads guilty (Day 3)

Times: Developer in Johnson probe gave illegal campaign cash: Apparent beneficiaries

Jack Johnson pleads guilty (Day 2)

Jack Johnson pleads guilty

PGPD Investigates Police-Involved Shooting in Cottage City

Leslie Johnson plea hearing cancelled

Two Pr. George’s officers who beat motorist on video in 2008 return to full duty

Examiner: New extortion charges filed against two PG cops

Scandals Update (18 Feb 2011)

Scandals & Ethics Reform Update (17 Feb 2011)

Civil trial in 2008 police killing of Manuel de Jesus Espina, 43

Scandals & Ethics Reform Update (16 Feb 2011)

Recent Prince George's County News: Jack Johnson Indicted (14 Feb 2011)

Muffley vs. Turner (CAL1037537)

Prince George's corruption probe: Melhi, Moreno seek to have evidence supressed

Melhi Companies Line Prince George's Officials' Election Coffers

Environment department cites Benson over two properties

New interim police leader targets suspensions, moonlighting

Jack Johnson's stamp on affordable-housing program in Prince George's (1/2)

Jack Johnson's stamp on affordable-housing program in Prince George's (2/2)

Feds take over investigation of police beating of student after basketball game

Officer pleads not guilty to trafficking

Now entering their appearances…new Prince George’s corruption counsel!

Turner and Associates LLC vs NSN Excavating Inc (CAL10-36043)

Former Prince George’s County Police Officer Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison in Bank Break-In

9 more arrested in Prince George's corruption probe (1/2)

9 more arrested in Prince George's corruption probe (2/2)

Some funds awarded to Pr. George's HOME program tied to corruption probe

HOME program has troubled history in Prince George's County

Wonder what O'Malley MDEC appointee Dana Stebbins-consultant to Greenbelt Station project in Jack Johnson case-knows.

After arrests of Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and wife, more are expected

Corruption accusations in gorgeous Prince George's

Jack Johnson, Prince George's county executive, and his wife, Leslie, arrested

Johnson, wife charged by feds in pay-to-play scheme

Affidavit in Support of Criminal Complaints

Probe widens into alleged cheating by Pr. George's officers-in-training; more than 30 officers involved

Md. probes extortion claims

State looking into Prince George's County bribery complaints, source says

Pay to play in Prince George's

Lawyer in Md. suit says political favors 'not unlawful'

Effort to replace Prince George's Planning Board chairman faces resistance

American Hospitality vs Prince Georges County

HUD wants $2 million back from Pr. George's

Suburb Braces for An End to Tranquility

D.C. Area Officers Subject of FBI Probe

Three Friends in Glare of Pr. George's Probe

Suburb Braces for An End to Tranquility

Offices of 2 Senior Aides Searched By FBI in Probe, Executive Says

FBI Raid Included Officials' Houses; Greenbelt Station Appears to Be Area of Interest

Sweetheart Deals

Accused of theft: Aide to council chair Exum

Exum Aide Put on Leave Amid Check Fraud Allegations.

State prosecutor subpoenas members of National Harbor grant committee

Credit Card Use Probed By U.S., Sources Say

Johnson's Wife Is Part Of New Grants Board

Grants Go to Allies Of Grantors, Johnson

New PG Council Rewards Corruption; Picks Credit Card Abusers as Leaders

Exum, Harrington take top Prince George’s Council posts

Four under investigation for alleged unauthorized use of county credit cards

Prince George's Taxpayers Pick Up Officials' Personal Tabs

Residents Fume Over Expense Accounts

Pr. George's Calls On Md. Prosecutor; Officials' Visa Bills Will Be Reviewed

More on PG County Credit Card Corruption

More on PG County Credit Card Corruption

What's Yours Is Mine; Especially if you live in Prince George's County -- and I am elected to serve you.

Credit card déja vu

Prince George's County Executive Aids Friends (Comment)

Prince George's County Executive Aids Friends (Comment)

Still more on PG County Credit Card Corruption

Hoffler-Riddick found guilty of money laundering

Teacher budget may pay for administrative overruns

PG Asst. Supt. Arrested on Drug Charges

PG Asst. Supt. Arrested on Drug Charges

Fwd: Channel 9 News "Assistant Superintendent Busted in Drug Ring"

More on Hoffler-Riddick and a Question

Sen. Lawlah praises Johnson and Hornsby