UPDATE: Princess Anne commissioner found guilty of extortion

Tuesday morning, 25 year old Lionel Frederick, a Princess Anne Commissioner was found guilty of misconduct in office and one count of extortion. These count stem from an investigation back in May where Maryland State Police received a tip that Frederick offered to help another current town commissioner hold onto his political seat for money. The commissioner is Dennis WIlliams.

According to court documents, Williams told detective that Lionel Frederick approached him and reportedly said for $5,000 he could convince a potential candidate not to run for Williams’ seat. Williams claims he told Frederick that ‘this would be unethical’ to which Frederick allegedly replied ‘no, it’s just politics.’

During today’s trial the defense claimed Lionel did not commit a crime under Maryland law. However the state argues that an elected official is held to a higher standard and by Frederick asking for money to help hold on to Williams’ seat, he is ‘depriving people on who they can vote for.’

Lionel was originally facing six charges, but was only found guilty by a judge on the two. The court asked for a pre-sentencing investigation, but have yet to set a date for the sentencing. Frederick could  potentially face up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine with those two counts.

47 ABC reached out to the president of the town Princess Anne, Garland Hayward, for a comment on the results of the trial, but he declined to comment. However Hayward does say the town will be seeking guidance from their attorney before making any decisions.