Federal Lawsuit Against Anne Arundel County Executive Continues
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A federal judge will hear the gender discrimination lawsuit filed against County Executive John Leopold.
Mary Bubala reports several allegations were dismissed but the case moves forward.
A U.S. district judge will hear arguments on whether Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold created a hostile work environment for women and whether he retaliated against a former employee who complained about his conduct.
Karla Hamner filed the $10 million lawsuit, contending a hostile work environment.
The plaintiff's attorney is ready to subpoena witnesses.
"I am very hopeful that a lot of these people who I know have very valuable information to Hamner will come forward and tell the truth and that truth will support all of these allegations," said John Singleton, Hamner's attorney.
"He physically grabbed me by my upper arms and turned me towards him and yelled, `I want you to turn and face me like this. Get your hair out of your face.' I was just in a state of shock. In the weeks that followed, I started having nightmares," Hamner said.
Leopold denies the allegations and Anne Arundel County attorney Jonathan Hodgson says, "We remain confident that the case will be dismissed."
Hamner's attorney says some of the allegations include whether Leopold had police officers on his security detail run license plate numbers of women he found attractive. Those officers have already testified before a grand jury in a separate investigation whether the county executive misused county resources.
Leopold continues to deny any wrongdoing. If the federal lawsuit stands, it could go to trial within six to 10 months.
