Central Prince George's residents have formed a coalition calling for County Councilwoman Leslie E. Johnson (D-Dist. 6) of Mitchellville to have full council privileges, despite her facing federal charges of evidence tampering.

"This is not about who our representative is; it's about the representation we're getting," said Douglas Edwards of Capitol Heights, spokesman for the Coalition for Justice for District 6 Residents.

Spanning central and western Prince George's County, District 6 includes Largo, Capitol Heights, Mitchellville, Suitland and Upper Marlboro.

Johnson, the wife of former County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D), was elected Nov. 2. Ten days later, FBI agents arrested her and her husband on charges of witness and evidence tampering related to an alleged development deal. Johnson was sworn in Dec. 6 and has denied the charges against her.

On Dec. 7, the council voted to bar Johnson from voting in the council's four committees that review and amend legislation and from taking the lead on guiding projects in her district through the zoning process, a practice known as "district courtesy." The council cited an "overabundance of caution" as their reasoning for the limits.

Johnson is still allowed to vote when the council meets as a complete group and can sit in on committee meetings.

A member of Johnson's staff said the councilwoman was not available for comment.

Edwards said he formed the coalition Dec. 19 along with other community leaders to restore Johnson's privileges.

"She cannot duly and truly represent us if she is denied any part or her role," Edwards said. "We want full representation that the other council members have."

dvalentine@gazette.net