Judge Rules Harford County Sheriff's Deputy Cannot Serve As County Council Member

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A circuit judge has ruled that a Harford County sheriff's deputy cannot serve on the County Council and must be immediately removed. The council member, Aaron Penman, said he will fight the court order.

“I was voted in by voters of District B, the constituents voted me in for my public safety experience,” Penman said. “Now this judge is forcing me to vacate my seat because of it. I think it’s an injustice. I think it’s weaponizing the government. It’s a complete disgrace, in my opinion.”

The judge ruled that Penman is “permanently enjoined from exercising all rights and authorities of a member of the Harford County Council or performing any and all functions of a member of the Harford County Council unless and until he cures his lack of qualification.”

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly filed an ethics complaint last February and asked the Circuit Court to declare that Penman’s employment violated a provision in the county charter that prohibits a county lawmaker from being employed by a county or state government entity, Maryland Matters reported. That was when Cassilly said he was accused by Penman of signing a real estate plat submitted on behalf of a Cassilly family member. Cassilly said in a news release that he did not review or sign the plat, Patch reported previously.

In October 2023, Cassilly demanded Penman be removed and Council President Patrick Vincenti challenged Cassilly to go to court to have Penman removed, Patch reported. However, Section 207 allows an employee of the sheriff's office to fulfill both duties, Penman noted. Vincenti, in a letter responding to Cassilly's demand, said the council has no authority to remove Penman, Patch reported.

Cassilly has not commented yet on this latest development.

Read more at Maryland Matters