Local Mayor Put on Administrative Leave at Work

WASHINGTON - Prince George's County officials have taken action against the mayor of Forest Heights.

Mayor Joyce A. Beck, who works for the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources, has been placed on administrative leave with pay.

The county's move comes as Beck faces assault charges and as town council members have asked the state attorney general to prosecute her.

A letter obtained by WTOP shows that five of the six members of the town council have requested the state attorney general prosecute Mayor Joyce A. Beck for exceeding her authority by appointing herself as chief of police.

Beck, who fired the police chief after being charged with assaulting an officer, took over as chief and demoted the officer who she allegedly assaulted.

Chief Michael D. Eubank is taking the mayor to court for wrongful termination.

The assault charges allege Beck shut a door on a police lieutenant's arm after he asked her for some court documents he'd needed.

Beck has declined to comment about the matter.

The small Prince George's County town on the Maryland border with D.C. made news back in June when Beck threatened to bring town business to a halt after refusing to sign a budget passed while she was away.

(Copyright 2005 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)