Prince George’s County Councilwoman Leslie Johnson pleaded guilty Thursday morning to one count of conspiracy to commit federal witness and evidence tampering.
Johnson, D-Mitchellville, was arrested with her husband, then County Executive Jack Johnson, in November in an FBI investigation of pay-to-play schemes in Prince George’s County.
Johnson admitted to refusing to answer the door to her Mitchellville home in November, when FBI and IRS agents knocked on her door with a federal search warrant. At the instruction of her husband, Johnson flushed a $100,000 check down the toilet and stuffed $79,600 in her underwear and bra, according to U.S. attorneys.
“Leslie Johnson’s actions, which occurred after the November elections violated the very essence of fairly representing her constituents who elected her to office,” said FBI special agent Richard McFeely. “A willing partner in her husband’s attempt to destroy the evidence that implicated his own corrupt acts, today’s conviction is a major step forward in bringing to justice those elected officials who have violated the trust bestowed upon them.”
Johnson indicated after she entered her guilty plea that she would not step down from the County Council. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Johnson’s judgment technically does not take effect until her sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 13.
“I made a mistake, and today I accept responsibility for my conduct,” Johnson said following her plea hearing. “I only ask not to be defined by this mistake, but by the countless days and months and years I have devoted to serving our community and people. I look forward to continuing to serve.”
Johnson’s plea to a federal felony carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, though attorneys recommended a sentence between 12 to 18 months. She must also forfeit the $79,600 seized by federal investigators that she hid in her underwear.
Jack Johnson pleaded guilty in May to one count of extortion and one county of evidence tampering, and faces up to 40 years in prison.
