WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, with U.S. Representatives Elijah E. Cummings, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and John P. Sarbanes (all D-Md.), have written to Howard County Sheriff James F. Fitzgerald asking him to resign his position in the wake of a detailed report from the Howard County Office of Human Rights. The full letter follows.

October 6, 2016

Howard County Sheriff James F. Fitzgerald

8360 Court Ave

Ellicott City, MD 21043

Dear Sheriff Fitzgerald:

We were appalled to see the report from the Howard County Office of Human Rights detailing how you have created a hostile and abusive work environment for the nearly 70-person department you oversee. As federal elected officials with responsibilities for the people of Howard County, we urge you to prioritize the needs of the residents of the county you serve, as well as the officers under your command, and resign your office.

The people of Howard County and its Sheriff’s office deserve leadership that understands that bullying, racism, sexism and anti-Semitism should have no place in American law enforcement. We find the behavior outlined by the Office of Human Rights unacceptable and an affront to the people who elected you and to the law enforcement officers of Howard County who serve this community with honor despite such toxic leadership.

At a time when trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve has been strained in Maryland and nationwide, we hope you will do the right thing and allow the Howard County Sheriff’s Office to heal and move forward with new leadership that can demonstrate respect for all law enforcement personnel and the entire Howard County community.

Sincerely,

###