ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A judge has sentenced former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold to 30 days in jail.
Judge Dennis Sweeney announced the sentence Thursday in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
He also sentenced Leopold to 30 days of home detention, a $100,000 fine and 400 hours of community service.
The sentence even though prosecutors had recommended only a fine and community service - but not jail time.
He says some incarceration is needed to send a message that misconduct in office carries serious consequences.
Leopold resigned as county executive last month after Sweeney found him guilty of forcing is staff to do campaign work and perform personal errands. He apologized for his actions at his sentencing hearing.
