Leopold Motion for Second Trial Dismissed

A judge has struck down former Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold's request for a new trial.

Leopold resigned on Feb. 1, shortly after he was found guilty of two counts of misconduct in office. He was declared not guilty of three other counts.

In filing for a new trial, Leopold's attorneys argued that one of his misconduct convictions contained too many components, according to The Capital. Retired Circuit Court Judge Dennis Sweeney turned down the motion on Wednesday.

The day before he was suspended from office, Leopold selected his chief administrative officer John Hammond to serve as acting executive until the Anne Arundel County Council selects a candidate to serve out the remainder of his term. On Thursday evening, Hammond made his intent to vie for the executive's seat official.

Hammond joins a number of other names in the race for executive, including Kendel Ehrlich, an attorney and former first lady of Maryland, and Steve Schuh, a restaurant owner and state delegate from Pasadena, representing District 31.

The County Council is scheduled to interview candidates for the position on Feb. 21. They have until Mar. 3 to select a successor to Leopold.