A judge on Thursday told former Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold he will serve time in jail after being convicted earlier this year of misconduct in office.

Leopold resigned in February after Judge Dennis Sweeney found him guilty of misusing his county office staff and his security detail by forcing them to do personal errands and campaign work for him.

Leopold served in the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 1970 to 1974 and the Hawaii State Senate from 1974 to 1978.

On Thursday, Sweeney sentenced Leopold to two years in jail with all but 60 days suspended. Sweeney said 30 of those days will be spent in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center, and if Leopold is compliant during those days, he can spend the second 30 days on house arrest.

WBAL-TV reporter Barry Simms said Leopold was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs.  He is expected to report to jail later Thursday. 

During the hearing, Leopold expressed regret and apologized for using his security detail for campaign activities and asking a county employee to empty his catheter bag.

Defense attorney Bruce Marcus argued that Leopold was humbled, chastened and profoundly remorseful, asking the judge to consider Leopold's 44 years of public service both in Hawaii and in Maryland.

"For my irresponsible failures in judgment, I am sorry," Leopold told the judge. 

Prosecutors and defense attorneys asked the judge to impose probation, fines and community service instead of jail time, citing Leopold's age and health, but it appears Sweeney did not agree.

During the hearing, Sweeney said that some period of incarceration is necessary in Leopold's case.  He said politicians and public servants need to know what can happen to them if they don't follow the law.