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Leslie Johnson Sentenced to 1 Year, 1 Day

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Leslie Johnson, the wife of former Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, was sentenced in federal court on Friday (Dec. 11) for her role in the long-running "pay-to-play" scandal that landed her husband an 87-month prison term earlier in the week.

U. S. District Court Judge Peter Messitte sentenced Leslie Johnson, 60, who had briefly represented District 6 on the County Council, to one year and one day in prison and 240 hours of community service.

Many of her supporters felt that the sentence was too harsh and spoke of all the good Johnson has done in the community.

"I really felt as though she should not have received any time," said Abigail Parker of Upper Marlboro, Md.

However, the prosecutors thought differently as they argued that Johnson, a former admdinistrative judge, was well aware of what she was doing and it was not just one isolated incident.

Prosecutors pointed out during the proceedings that Johnson was caught in another wiretap telling her husband about a real estate developer that was going to donate money to her because he knew she would "help him."

During sentencing, Messitte echoed those sentiments as he told Mrs. Johnson, "You are not an innocent spouse. You are a complicit spouse."

According to Council County Chair Andrea Harrison, the sentencings of Jack and Leslie Johnson mark a significant step in the judicial process.

"Said Harrison: "The Prince George’s County Council, beginning Legislative Year 2012 this week, remains focused on the work we were elected to do, serving the citizens of Prince George’s County and ensuring that County Government remains focused and dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents and moving the County forward."

Last modified on Saturday, 10 December 2011 17:47

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