Leopold waives right to jury trial; Sweeney to decide case

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold, who is accused of using taxpayer-funded police officers for his personal and political benefit, waived his right to a jury trial Thursday, paving the way for testimony to begin before week's end, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Retired Howard County Circuit Judge Dennis M. Sweeney, who presided over the trial of former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon three years ago, will hear the case in Circuit Court in Annapolis. Leopold has denied wrongdoing and has remained…