A Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputy has been suspended with pay after Pennsylvania State Police said he was involved in a shoplifting incident at a Shrewsbury, Pa. Wal-Mart earlier this month.
DFC Mark Jordan was suspended with pay July 9 pending the results of an internal investigation into the allegation, according to Harford County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Monica Worrell.
Jordan was accused of taking Cobra-brand radios from the Wal-Mart on the weekend of July 6-8, said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Adam Reed, a public information officer with the agency’s Harrisburg troop.
Additional details, including the exact date and nature of the offense, and what charges Jordan may face, were not immediately available, Reed said. The investigating trooper in the case, part of the state police’s York station, was not available Monday.
According to a Sheriff’s Office press release, Jordan graduated from the Sheriff’s Office Training Academy in December 2009, receiving the class’ Firearms Proficiency award.
Jordan would be the second Sheriff’s Office member in two years to face a shoplifting charge. Major Mark Forwood, commander of the agency’s Investigative Services Division, was suspended with pay in April 2010 after he was caught shoplifting from a Home Depot store in Bel Air.
He remained suspended until Nov 2010, when he was charged with improper conduct and a theft scheme, and arrested on a second shoplifting charge later that month. Forwood was fired Nov. 30, 2010, and eventually pled guilty to the felony theft charge and the misdemeanor count of improper conduct, receiving a six-year sentence with all but 18 months suspended.
Ths is just one of many issues going on within the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. Major problems exist and nothing is being done to fix them. I think a change in leadership is appropriate at this point in time and it should start with moving the Major in charge of patrol operations. Its hard for the rank in file to do their job when they see commanders engaging in questionable acts themselves. This is not what the image of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office should be portrayed as and there are good people who work here. Time after time issues are brought to the attention of commanders and if anyone dare speak up they will be severely pusnished. Things have to change its not fair to the public or the men and women that put themselves in harms way everyday. I call on Sheriff Bane to make immediate and drastic changes. Sheriff Bane you can no longer act like things are not bad or just turn your back on them. Those days are over.
Uncle Benny, I couldn’t agree with you more. The major you reference needs to go and then Bane himself needs to step down before he further shames the agency and the good men and women who work there.
The major was fired. The deputy suspended. What else is he supposed to do?
Bane only makes moves when news outlets like The Dagger pressure him to do so. If the news media hadn’t picked this up, we never would have known. You should know that, Monster, FW, I mean “Billy Bond”
Uncle Benny, you are on every sheriff’s office site I have seen this year. Are you real or a Gahler supporter?
I’m real. I’m not a Gahler supporter. You say that the Major was fired, news to me? I believe I referenced the current major in charge of patrol. Not the shoplifting major that was in charge of the investigative services units.
Maybe the rank and file should hold their Union accountable. It’s the union that allows this corruption to continue. But only because Jesse Bane allows the Union to run the show. It’ll be nice in 2014, when Jeff Gahler is elected sheriff. 99% of our Sheriff’s Department is outstanding and will be allowed and encouraged to shine under Mr. Gahler’s leadership!
I am not a Bane or a Gahler supporter, but I think I just threw up after reading this comment. Sounds like Paff is Gahler. I agree though that the union is worthless. However, we must keep in mind that a majority of the sheriff’s office voted the union president into office. (Probably not thinking he would be a puppet).
Or maybe the Union president was elected because the voting was rigged. Black and white marbles? Grabbing 2 marbles at a time to make sure your guy gets in? Marbles? This is the 21st century fellas. Courage, honor, integrity. Just like your fearless leader Bane.
I understand another Law Enforcement Deputy has recently been suspended and under investigation. I don’t know if it is related to this incident or not. Probably separate issues.
Wonder what kind of discipline will be doled out to DFC Jordan? Depends on whether or not he contributed to Bane’s campaign fund or not. Bane has completely lost control of the agency and he needs to step down now before he causes any further harm.
Shoplifting is stealing…right? Why would any discipline be administered by Sheriff Bane? Shouldn’t the Deputy be dismissed? Why would you keep a Deputy who steals?
Barbara under LEOBR(law enforcement bill of rights) this deputy cannot be fired at this time. In fact if it was a misdemeanor theft they have to pay him. MD law states that when it is a felony then it can be without pay.
Thank you for explaining that. Frankly, if I were that Deputy I would be so embarrassed I would just quit.
You wouldn’t. I think we are being led by Gahler supporters.
Man, this should not even be a conversation. There is no way this deputy should be collecting a tax payer’s check after this. this is what this entire country has come too and we the people allow it. Mr. Bane has shown his hand on all these issues and he is not going to change. It’s all about money and power! Why can’t can’t we do whats right anymore? Is it so hard to admit that you are wrong! Most unions have never been honest about anything other than how much they can get out of employees. However, they wrote the book on excuses. Listen, it seems as if our government leaders have abandon us in everyway possible at this point. Last I recall, these folks were elected into public office to become rich. It was to serve the public. So, not to go on and on about this crap. The bottom line is simple. Why are my tax dollars paying this bumb!!!
You need a grammar and punctuation refresher.
John Paff I agree with you 110%. Barbara there are four total law enforcement deputys currently suspended with pay. All seperate issues. One in particular has politics written all over it. You cant help stupidity, example: shoplifting. Makes all of us looks like idiots. My whole point is that a change in leadership is appropriate at this point. They say if it aint broke dont fix it, well its broke, fix it!
Thank you for viewing. This has been another manufactured voluntary political response to support Mr Gahler for Harford County Sheriff.
Just quietly take your dixie cup filled with Koolaid to the corner and sip it’s refreshing contents.
Aunt Bonita- How are facts a political response. This isnt about Gahler its about the current state of the Sheriffs Office. I will not go back and forth with you, get your facts straight, I have mine and I challenge anyone that disputes them. I post the truth I dont open myself up the slander suits. You cant post anything on here without it becoming political. Cut it out, I see what you are going. When did I ever mention Gahler? Right never. Sit down!
Whats with the Bennys Ex, you are 10-96!
Can we talk about someone else for Sheriff please. I am not impressed with this Gahler fellow.
Suggestions?
Uncle Benny, my, my, my. The truth hurts doesn’t it?
How is a Deputy stealing from Wal-Mart a manufactured political action?
So, the Pennsylvania State Police are lying? The Deputy isn’t suspended with pay for theft? Oh wait, he is. Hmmmmm. The kool-aid is good. What flavor would you like?
Thank you. I suspected this.
We can dissagre about uncle jesse any other thread, but how does the sheriff have anything to do with deputies stealing? You can elect gahler and deputies will continue to make bad decisions
Retiredawhile I agree but a change in leadership would be good at this point. Someone needs to come in and say I support you as deputies but I am not putting up with STUPID acts such as shoplifting. The problem is there is no support and the leaderships actions are questionable at times. Thats not political that the truth, like it or not Aunt B.
Uncle Benny, you, monster, marc eaton, and others have tried to dominate every blog regarding the Sheriff’s Office. It is getting old.
Retiredawhile,
I am confused by your comments. An above post says that four law enforcement Deputies are currently suspended from their duties, with pay. You seem to be suggesting that this is normal and would not change under different leadership. Is it really normal to have several law enforcement officers suspended with pay, some for stealing, and other inappropriate behavior?
Barbara, you are innocent until proven guilty. When a court decides they are guilty, the pay stops and they can be fired.
Because Jesse allows the Union to dictate what happens with these officers. A real Union wouldn’t stand for a politically vengeful Sheriff. Jeff Gahler would be lead a fair and balanced force which the Deputies would respect.
Come on John, quit politicking.
Like Sheriff Bane relegating a Republican deputy and former sheriff candidate to an internal affairs position or another to the late shift and passed over for a promotion because he is the brother of a republican?
It’s a law Barbara. I’m not going to go into the rights and wrongs of the Maryland Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights, but there isn’t much the Sheriff can do until the investigations are complete. The Sheriff is bound to obey the standards of LEOBR, that is the entire reason exists. The Deputy could still have the case dismissed, or be proven innocent, or even plea out, and still be able to keep his job or certification.
Blaming the Sheriff for this would be like blaming the county superintendent for your child’s bad report card.
I think the broader point here is that there is starting to be a pattern with problems in leadership. LEOBR aside.
I understand its the law, it was explained by Uncle Benny in a previous post. My comment is about the number of people suspended. Is it normal to have four law enforcement officers suspended at one time and for separate incidents? It suggests that there is a certain culture of wrongdoing on the part of the deputies, and Retiredawhile suggests that a change of leadership would not improve that culture. If this is true, then my perception of the Sheriffs Department will be significantly different than it has been. I have always held the deputies in high esteem.
Still huge issues above and beyond this. BPB call someone you know in HCSO who transferred over. Its starting to look like a mimi BPD. A change in leadership is a start if you do not trust your leaders how do you survive. People are trying they would give their shirt off their back, but if they keep getting scrutinized for normal police actions, how do you do your job under these circumstances???????
Uncle Benny I hate to say it but WE are ALL getting scrutinized for normal police actions. It’s not really any different anywhere else. No one wants to get sued, or be on the cover of the Aegis (or in the Dagger). HCSO is still making more money than than most departments in the state. They still have LEOPS. Still have take homes. I don’t see anybody rushing off to Cecil County for jobs.
There’s a lot of us dealing with the same BS, with a lot less to work with. And just when you think it’s getting better it finds a way to get worse. Just ask your local Trooper.
Keep your head up. At least you have a chance to vote your boss out. Someone gets to assign me mine lol.
BPB I know, look we all complain. If you get this guy as your boss god help you. I guess the majority are frustrated because this department is too big to be small but too small too be big if that makes sense. Working Edgewood here is like wearing the red things on the top of your shirt. Oh man im OIC, but even worse its always watching your back and having no support. I would be better off with you in the ?ED!
Barbara, common sense tells us that deputies are people and people do bad things some times. This culture that you describe is pervasive in our society in many different lines of work. All anyone can do is punish the offenders.
Barbara: You asked “My comment is about the number of people suspended. Is it normal to have four law enforcement officers suspended at one time and for separate incidents?”
Unfortunately, law enforcement officers can and do get into various types of “trouble” just as any other profession such as financiers, doctors, priests, etc… Each and every department has a disciplinary process as well as having to be in compliance with the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights.
Is it “normal” to have four (4) deputies on suspension at one time? The answer is “yes.” The HCSO is a small police force in terms of a nationwide comparison. It is highly probable that larger departments in the area such as the Baltimore County Police or Baltimore City Police have anywhere from that amount to forty members of their department on suspension at any given time.
Those numbers sound frightening, however, as always, numbers alone don’t tell the complete story. You also commented, “It suggests that there is a certain culture of wrongdoing on the part of the deputies…” This unfortunately has some validity but is incomplete.
Remember, accusations against police officers are made every day. Some are valid and some are baseless, and made as vendettas. These accusations if made by a credible source and through proper channels, must be addressed at the very least by a preliminary inquiry. The preliminary inquiry will result in either a dismissal of the allegations or a full investigation. In certain circumstances, the officer must be placed on suspension (with or without pay) until conclusion.
Thus, it is normal for a police force the size of HCSO to have at least four (4) deputies on suspension.
Thank you. It is so disheartening to know that at any given time there will be approximately 4 officers being investigated for wrongdoing. I had no idea that this was normal. I guess I’m just naive, but in all honesty I expected more from our officers.
And actually your wrong, blaming the Sheriff is NOT like blaming the county school superintendent for your child’s bad report card. It’s like blaming the county superintendent for poor teachers (in this case, the behavior of the deputies).
I’m sorry I missed the part where its the Sheriff’s duty to instill ethics and morals on his deputies. I’m willing to be he didn’t know DFC Jordans name until the report came across his desk. Change in leadership won’t fix someone who knows right from wrong and still chooses wrong. That should have been corrected a long time ago by a different set of leaders.
Are the terminations and corruptions higher under Banes leadership or is the information just more available than it has been in the past?
It is the responsibility of the Sheriff and senior leaders to lead by example. When those examples come up short (and I have been told they have by several Deputies) then you send a message that wrongdoing may be tolerated within certain parameters.
Barbara, I just realized that you are not asking these questions for information, you are most likely a political plant and Barbara is probably not even your name.
Sorry to disappoint you Bill, but I am just a friend of a Deputies wife. I talk with her, and she has told me how disappointed many of the employees are with the decisions that have been made by Sheriff Bane and others in leadership roles at the Sheriffs Department.
Everything in this world is not political. I can read the many posts on here, and I do understand that some make comments for political purposes. Others however recognize that things are not going well at the Sheriff Department and are voicing a need for change. I am in that group, and the Sheriff doesn’t need to wait until the election to make those changes. Just my thoughts.
I am sure there are a multitude of fine men and women serving the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. The problem appears to be in ranks of leadership. With what’s happened recently all it does is higlight the need for change at the Sheriff’s Office. I personally don’t believe politics plays any role in the deliverance of law enforcement services to the citizens of this county. Democrat, Republican, Independent – shouldn’t matter. What does matter is someone having the intestinal fortitude to make some sweeping changes over at the puzzle palace at 45 S. Main Street. The individual actions of one deputy do not reflect the moral fiber of the entire leadership of the agnecy. I digress. When you have suspension after suspension and termination after termination of personnel, you must ask yourself what is really going on. Any true leader that is deserving of the public trust would sit back and evaluate this and come to the obvious conclusion (some of us non-law enforcement types) have that there are real problems within the agency. I personally did not come on here to advocate for the candidacy of one person or another. However, I do believe it is the public’s responsibility to hold the people accountable that have turned the Sheriff’s Office into an off-shoot of the Democratic National Committee. I know this to be fact: The morale at the Sheriff’s Office is the worst I have ever heard and its about time that something is done about it. As I have followed many of the people commenting on posts imilar to this over the past year, I have noticed that many of the complaints appear to arise out of patrol. I think Helen Keller could figure out that its time to do a little re-shuffling. Wake up over there, or your going to be out of jobs! It’s not too late!
Well, you said it better than I did in my post above. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. Changes need to be made and they needed to be made yesterday. You need different leadership!
You agree, huh? What a surprise.
I am sure there are a multitude of fine men and women serving the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. The problem appears to be in ranks of leadership. With what’s happened recently all it does is higlight the need for change at the Sheriff’s Office. I personally don’t believe politics plays any role in the deliverance of law enforcement services to the citizens of this county. Democrat, Republican, Independent – shouldn’t matter. What does matter is someone having the intestinal fortitude to make some sweeping changes over at the puzzle palace at 45 S. Main Street. The individual actions of one deputy do not reflect the moral fiber of the entire leadership of the agnecy. I digress. When you have suspension after suspension and termination after termination of personnel, you must ask yourself what is really going on. Any true leader that is deserving of the public trust would sit back and evaluate this and come to the obvious conclusion (some of us non-law enforcement types) have that there are real problems within the agency. I personally did not come on here to advocate for the candidacy of one person or another. However, I do believe it is the public’s responsibility to hold the people accountable that have turned the Sheriff’s Office into an off-shoot of the Democratic National Committee. I know this to be fact: The morale at the Sheriff’s Office is the worst I have ever heard and its about time that something is done about it. As I have followed many of the people commenting on posts similar to this over the past year, I have noticed that many of the complaints appear to arise out of patrol. I think Helen Keller could figure out that its time to do a little re-shuffling. Wake up over there, or your going to be out of jobs! It’s not too late!
Morale worse than the Baltimore City Police? I understand that there are many deputies from other jurisdictions serving as HC deputies. Is that true?
I have no dog in this fight honestly, but I think compared to other law enforcement agencies in Maryland that Harford County probably has fewer issues in regards to problems like this. It has a relatively low turn over rate and ridiculously high standards to begin with. Look at the recent issues with Annapolis PD and Montgomery County. We are talking gross misuse of resources and straight up corrupt cops. Everybody has bad apples but trust me Harford County is still one of the most reputable agencies I have ever encountered.
BPB you make a good point, I think the issue is that this has become rampant and it is a culture that has NEVER existed at the Sheriff’s Office. The problem has become systemic and no one has experienced the likes of this in the Sheriff’s Office before. This place is still a little “Mayberry” if you will…
Andy’s gone and so is the old sheriff’s office.
In the last 12 years the Sheriffs office has hired laterals from the city and county that they didnt want. I know of several that were under investigation at the time of their hiring by the Sheriffs department and that is why they applied to HCSO,they were allowed to keep their pension if eligable if they just went away.A agency that hires everyones rejects just to save money on academy classes isnt a organization that fosters trust.
Ron only one lateral was an issue and he went bye bye. We got good people from the city, But they even have to think that this department is like mini BPD. The laterals I met are good people they are not he problem. Sorry just the Facts
That is 100% false and your eiter not privi to the information i have or you are a blatant liar.
BPB,
Hopefully ‘not’ stealing is one of those ridiculous high standards!
Fire him. LEO’s are supposed to be examples. Make one of him.
I really think Bane and the remaining major should immediately evaluate the example they are setting for the sheriffs office. If they do shady things their deputies are going to see that and do whatever they want. Change is needed from the top down. There are a lot of great men and women that work there, Bane has fired or made many more resign, yet continues to allow incidences like this to happen.
just kinda an fyi…after working for couple dept.’s, its not that unusual for there to be a number of people suspended. not to say that it is a good thing at all…but depending on the size of the dept, number of people suspended for diff things could vary! balt city, you might find 50 or more officers are suspended at the moment for one thing or another. but you got 3000 officers…you got over 300 with sheriffs, so 3-4 dep suspended really isnt that many! again, def not a good thing…but looking at ratio, its not that suprising! and with the percent pay taken each year with no steps or colas for past 4-5 yrs…actually its commendable that the majority have been morally responsible!!
Amusing! I think we are in the same profession. BUT just becaue we have not got a raise for 4-5 years doesnt give a deputy the right to steal. If you cant afford it dont buy it. Sure as crap dont steal it. Come on. MY POINT AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN, WHEN YOUR MAJOR IS DOING QUESTIONABLE THINGS HOW CAN YOU RESPECT THAT. TIME FOR A CHANGE.
Amusing, thanks for the answer, but you are wasting your time. This site is being taken over by Gahler supporters who are campaigning. A whole group of people including someone named monster, marc eaton, marc’s cousin and a host of others filled the last blog with nonsense and incivility. Monster was the opposite of Gahler supporters but still a jerk.
Bill if anyone is filling this blog with nonsense it is you. You attack anyone and anything that makes comments about issues within the department. I thinks its your new strategy, If you post 50,000 times then the public cant see legitimate issues brought up by others.
You sir – seem very disgruntled yourself.
Mike when you say disgruntled are you referring to Bill Bond or Uncle Benny. I think everyone is disappointed across the board, but not disgruntled. Its just sad.
Give them boys a raise
I don’t really disagree with a whole lot that is being said, but I’m confused as to how the Sheriff ” Let ” this happen? I get it, lead by example, that’s great. But seriously, this is a pretty simple issue of just flat out being wrong. The Deputy knew right from wrong, it looks like he chose wrong. It’s all on him. Doesn’t have a damn thing to do with his bosses.
People with great parents can still turn out to be turds, most of the Cops on here will vouch for that statement. Like I said I have no dog in this fight, but I’ve worked for 3 different departments in my career and I can tell you that this shoplifting incident is pretty petty compared to what others have done IN uniform while ON duty. No excuse for it all, and if he’s guilty I say throw him to the wolves. But lets hold the Deputy accountable for his actions and stop blaming the Sheriff.
Well thanks for destroying my confidence in the law enforcement community and pointing out how insignificant and petty this shoplifting allegation is compared to what is really happening with the police. I feel so much better now!
Barbara I hear you and so many others do as well. Dont listen to people that are trying to discredit everyone that challenges them. Sorry you are being treated this way.
Sorry Barbara but Police aren’t perfect. There are far worse things that happen everyday that should outrage you just a little bit more. I feel like you are using this incident as an excuse lose your faith in police, as if it weren’t that strong to begin with.
Stop looking at it as all or nothing and accept it for what it is. Blame the Deputy not all LEOS everywhere. I’m sure whatever profession you have chosen in life will have similar people in it. And yes, things are far worse in other departments within Maryland. It sucks for the good cops that incidents like this overshadow the good work that most of us do everyday. I’m not any happier about it than you are because I can be discredited based on association now. But I won’t lose faith in Cops until crime runs ramped. The good cops still outweigh the bad ones, and most of us do our jobs well despite horrible supervision.
rampant..it’s awfully early.
Yes it early! I wont hold it against you!
Thanks BPB for your response. You are talking to campaigners who have started the election for sheriff very early. It is sad when this happens to a site.
Billy Bond: What in the name of God does any of this have to do with campaigning? Are you not reading the atrocities that are being committed by Bane? Do you think people are making this stuff up? If so, for what cause? No one on here is campaigning FOR Gahler. Everyone is tired of the way Bane treats his “own”. Make it into whatever you will, the truth is that deputies can’t concentrate on their jobs because they don’t know what will come next from the feeble-minded mismanager at the helm.
Barbara,
if thats the case, you must love the financial industry, the church as well as the health care proffession.
Didn’t the Sheriff’s responsibility in any and all matters end with the force feeding of the agency mission statement and Serpico? I mean… those two things should instill righteousness and honesty within all below the rank of #1 or major. There is no need to be the pillar of your agency or to lead by example when you have those two written works to convey your message clearly and concisely.
Someone please explain to me how it is the leadership of the sheriff’s department caused this deputy allegedly commit a theft crime?
One is responsible for their own actions. One should know right from wrong.
Everyone who is posting on here saying the Sheriff is not responsible for foolish acts committed by members of the agency are somewhat off base. The culture that is permeating the Sheriff’s Office under Bane’s “leadership” and those of his command staff makes it almost permissible to commit stupid acts. There is no rhyme nor reason to discipline or punishment doled out by Bane. Good employees get internal cases started against them, people are terminated for being sick, transferred because the Sheriff doesn’t like who they voted for, while letting other issues of integrity not only slide but be rewarded. You will always have stupid people doing stupid things, but when the commander’s thinking is as muddled as it is, and you know you more than likely will not get punished for committing a wrongful act, then maybe, just maybe, more employees will try stupid things because they know that under Bane’s command, if you have contributed money to his campaign, if you don’t point out his foolish mistakes, if you are friends with the his command staff members, you get a free ride. And the innocent continue to suffer.
“Good employees get internal cases started against them, people are terminated for being sick, transferred because the Sheriff doesn’t like who they voted for, while letting other issues of integrity not only slide but be rewarded.”
Sounds like Bane is in the running for a federal management position.
Time for a change of command.
Wow this might be the best comment yet. If you are sick then you are done, bye bye thanks for your service. Oh and you can be transferred for no reason???? I hate how sick and innocent people are being treated, either no job raising kids(really nice you cowards) or transferred to 4-12 so you never see your kids(again really nice you cowards). Oh and Aunt B or whoever else comments I never mentioned Gahler I mentioned how TERIIBLE SHERIFF BANE IS. BANE= COWARD
It was Fivewood’s comment and an eye opening one at that.
Absurd to have personal politics interfering with public service.
This is another of the frequent names that are on any topic dealing with the HCSO. If I had been the Dagger, I would have thrown you, monster, marc eaton, marcs cousin, etc. off any site you blog.
Home Depot and walmart. At least pick a high dollar store. No seriously sounds like a clean sweep needs to be made in the this police force. I’m sorry its like this, I have had nothing but good experiences with the police in this county. But if its this bad we need a change.
I am sorry that a deputy would do this. We all are not like this. What I have a problem with is that a deputy was fired for being sick. What happened to taking care of our own. A deputy(corporal) is being targeted and is suspended for what reason i’m still not sure. A sgt was transfered to 4-12 after having an unsustained Internal affairs investigation, a deputy was transfered to 4-12 for what im not sure and doesnt see his kids, a civilian is now transferred to the jail for what I do not know………….etc When is enough enough not me yet but It will be soon. When will people listen to this and see that it is bad. Really bad.
” The problem appears to be in ranks of leadership.”
or
” The individual actions of one deputy do not reflect the moral fiber of the entire leadership of the agnecy.”
Which is it? Have an opinion.
“What does matter is someone having the intestinal fortitude to make some sweeping changes over at the puzzle palace at 45 S. Main Street.”
What do you recommend? Ideas are always welcome; however, they can be the basis for informed debate. By the way, the “puzzle palace” is the NSA. I don’t think that’s a realistic analogy to a Sheriff’s Dept. HQ in Harford County, but we each live in our own worlds.
“I know this to be fact: The morale at the Sheriff’s Office is the worst I have ever heard and its about time that something is done about it.”
Facts can be proved. If you can, please do. If something is the “worst you have ever heard” then a basis of comparison would be helpful.
I actually found this post to be quite insightful and I am not sure what you found so confusing with your professorial disection of the comment. Clearly a problem exists in the leadership (could be many) of the department. HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean the INDIVIDUAL (meaning one) actions of a single deputy reflect on the moral fiber of an entire department. Leadership can be seen at many levels from a patrol level person, a corporal, sergeant, LT, CAPT. Not everyone over there has lost their marbles. I understood this to mean there are still alot of good people over there with morals and the ability to lead but a few bad and I do mean BAD apples. And it sounds to me that if a shuffling of people isn’t done, the Sheriff may find himself in retirement.
Mike I couldnt have said it better.
You all want to blame me. Well there are big problems within this department. Political issues and criminal issues. Wake up Harford County and see that major issues exist, i agree with other posters, leadership is the issue. What will it take for you to see this? Im not blaming Lionel Jesse Bane Im blaming his top commanders. Never has there been issues like this never. Stop the madness.
I am retired. Are you blogging from work?
Inbred, you are not blaming Bane, just the commanders? Did you really say that? Do you really think people are that stupid?
Not worth arguing with you monster. I said what I said and you have a problem with everything. Goodnight, Your buddy Inbred.
Monster, clearly you can see how passionate the 18th cousin is being that he blogs at 1AM!
Yeah, he probably should be doing his job.
Politics aside for a moment. Its been a long time since four people were suspended at the same time. If that is the case then maybe it’s time for change. From what I am hearing 3 of the 4 are from patrol so maybe a change in leadership is due. If Bane keeps turning his head then he is just as guilty. Maybe he will do the right thing and take action against this. One shall see, but this needs to be now not two years from now. Until then I’m gonna tuck my little head down and hope this is all a dream. Things need to get better, things need to change, but shoplifting is not acceptable, just stupid.
Who said shoplifting was okay? You do believe that court’s try and decide innocence and guilt don’t you?
To borrow your phrase BPB, I DO have several dogs in this race. Let me begin by stating that I do not work at the Sheriff’s Office but I have many close friends who do work there. All the information I get is directly from them. My suspicion that there was something amiss at the agency started in 2010. A few employees told me about a corporal who got into a meaningless verbal disagreement in the office with another corporal. Nothing out of the ordinary at all. The next thing you know, an internal investigation was started, sustained and the corporal was banished to midnights. Upon learning this news, the corporal left the office for the day. What followed is too bizarre to be believed. To make a very long story short, Bane initiated a lockdown of every Sheriff’s office building, county buildings, supervisor’s homes, ordered deputies to wear protective gear, all while knowing, by triangulating his cellphone signal, that the deputy was in Delaware. This ended by the Delaware State Policy making a felony traffic stop and taking him to the hospital for an emergency evaluation. Why? Because the first deputy is the vice president of the Deputies Union and Bane needs the support. I thought at first my friends were exaggerating, but believe me, I have left out some information that is absolutely mind-boggling due to space constraints. A second friend of mine was recently transferred from dayshift to 4-12. He has 2 young children that he does not get to see due to this schedule. He has requested a transfer back to day work, but has been refused. Why? Because the daytime positions are taking by Bane supporters & contributors. A sergeant has been passed over for promotion to lieutenant 3 times even though he finished in the top 1 or 2 of the promotional testing every time. Why was he bypassed? Could it be because his brother is a State Delegate who butts heads with Bane? Recently this sergeant and the Sheriff SHOOK HANDS and Bane promised him a promotion. Well there is a lieutenant’s position available and sadly, was told that there would be no promotion forthcoming. A fine corporal and single father was recently terminated because he was ill and the doctors could not determine the cause of his illness. The corporal was placed in a desk job, not on the road. Even though he was told by Bane that his job would be safe until he could qualify for medical retirement, Bane callously sent a henchman to the corporal’s house and handed a termination letter to the corporal’s family member. Wouldn’t you think that the agency and especially it’s leader would rally around this person and do everything they could to help him? Not so under Bane. My friend of 40 years, who has worked at the agency for 18 years, was recently transferred to 4 different positions in 5 months. Could it be because she voted for someone else in the last election? Or because she supports the aforementioned fellow officers in need? Or is the real reason because her family member is the founder of the Dagger? Oh and did I mention that she suffers from breast cancer? So to those of you who doubt what the posters are saying, doubt no more. I have all of this information FIRST HAND from Bane’s victims. I’m sure there are many more stories like this out there. Please contact Marc Eaton if you would like to hear more. THE ONLY PERSON WITH A PERSONAL AGENDA IS LIONEL JESSE BANE and we deserve more.
Anyone who would give a thumbs down to this compassionate and truthful post has no heart. Very sad.
What it seems that you are are neglecting to read is “pending the results of an internal investigation into the allegation…” Allegation being the key word! I see a lot of talk about political “this” and political “that” but what about the spin the media puts on everything just to get its ratings up? STOP and think this is a human being you all are talking about loosing his job over some allegation. I understand he is law enforcement and they should be held to a higher standard, but let’s see what charges are actually filed/dropped before you all stand on your high horses!
“Allegation” is the word the media MUST use when reporting crimes that have not gone to trial. He must be proven guilty in a court (or confess, or plea down, etc.) before the press can say that he is, regardless of whether the proof is blatantly obvious. As stated earlier, WalMart Loss Prevention (Asset Protection) is heavily regulated and the cameras actually top the quality of those used in most banks. The language the press is forced to use creates many illusions – the good thing is that it protects people (or attempts to) in high profile cases where the media may influence a fair trial, the bad thing is that it makes some things unclear. The details not being available is probably just to protect the privacy during a case that could create a lot of stir. (And the police don’t arrest people based on accusations.)
It is unfortunate that this formerly private man now has his life in view of public judgment, but he took up an important public position and then made a shameful decision. When you represent the law, there is an expectation that you will behave ethically and uphold the law in your own actions. Hopefully this will help set an example to others in law enforcement of the very personal consequences of behaving in such an atrocious manner.
Thanks, Really. That is the correct message, but you are wasting your time.
Will the Dagger be doing any followup with the PA police regarding the details of this allegation since those details were not available yesterday? Have the stolen items been recovered? Was there security video of the theft? Were others involved along with the Deputy? If the Deputy has been charged, this information should be available.
Walmart Loss Prevention has cameras and a very strict policy on shoplifters…and making “stops”…I am sure the video will tell the story!~
Each of us are responsible for our own actions. In my 22 years we never had Major’s stealing thousands of dollars of property for who knows what reason. I don’t see stories of Aberdeen, Bel Air, Havre de Grace or the State Police having these issues. At some point you have to start looking at the leadership, after all that is why it is called leadership. A fish stinks from the head down.
In your 22 years, have you ever seen a deputy invent the probable cause to make a traffic stop because he wanted to search a particular car or question its driver?
Ever seen deputies apply different standards to one group of citizens than another?
Ever seen deputies profile groups of citizens based on age or appearance?
Ever seen deputies break the very traffic laws they are supposed to enforce?
Ever known a deputy to lie under oath?
Ever seen a deputy use improper force against a suspect?
Yeah, the leadership of the HCSO sucks, but the rank-and-file members are responsible for their own actions when they are on the street acting like thugs and holding themselves above the laws they enforce.
Mike, I hope the dagger does print a follow up when all is said and done, especially if he is cleared. What if he has a family and now his family and reputation are being dragged through the mud before all the facts are in. The media doesn’t care whose life they may ruin, that’s why they publish stories like this before any charged have even been filed or not filed.
To all: I mean imagine any other person having their life thrown all over the media for an allegation and then imagine people wanting your life be ruined over an allegation!
You are right Beckyz, all will be told when the video and other evidence are examimed.
How convenient once again to blame the media. Did the deputy think about his family and his reputation when he stole items by putting them into his son’s backpack? I think not. And the media shouldn’t report this because…????
How do you know he was putting the stolen items into his sons backpack? I didn’t read that in the article.
I think it is so sad that you would take everything the media says as FACT! Why blame the media? Because I have been a victim of the media’s need for ratings because they ran a story before they had all the facts. Then people like you think you know what is really going on when you have NO idea!!!
Really? So it’s ok to post that you have been victimized and we are supposed to feel sorry for you. But when the deputies post that they are being victimized, you want them to shut up. Can’t have it both ways, dear. The way you felt when the media victimized you is exactly how the deputies feel now so why don’t you remember that and have a little empathy?
Oh yeah, and BBC: you know he put the items in “his son’s backpack”….becaussssseeee???? What, you saw the survellience video? Ummmm, I think NOT!
Really? And you know for a fact that I haven’t seen the surveillance video becaaauuusssssseeeeee…….?????????
This crime is another demonstration of the mentality of some Harford County Sheriff’s Deputies, thinking they can do whatever they want to do because of who they are.
I don’t care who the Sheriff is at any given time, or who wins the next election. This is an institutional problem that has existed for a long time, and it needs to be addressed by hiring honorable people who don’t think that anything they do is okay because they are the law.
Law enforcement needs the support of the public, and when law enforcement officers break the law themselves, bully and abuse the citizens they are supposed to serve, lie under oath, and generally act like thugs, they are seen as “the enemy” by ordinary, lawabiding people, and they lose that vital public support.
Those of you in Harford County law enforcement reading this post know exactly the type of person and the kind of behavior I am talking about. And if you know such people, or have seen this behavior, and have done nothing about it, you too are part of the problem.
This alleged shoplifting case will be dealt with appropriately because it made the news. I am not holding my breath waiting for this Sheriff, or the next, or the next after that, to turn the HCSO into a professional law enforcement agency.
Moyer, Mele, Comes, Meadows and Golding. All of you who have lived in this County Since 1980, do you remember seeing things like this in the Sleagis ? Baltimoe Sun? On the TV?
Under Meadows a deputy damaged a car and lied about it. Terminated. Back then no gray areas to the rules and regulations. Violate the code of ethics and you where gone. This Sheriff started his first term with ethics violator who could no longer testify in court do to lying. He was given a job doing background investigations on new hires. He also just happened to be the Union President at the time. So this Sheriff started his first term with no regard for ethics.
Did Bane also appoint him head of the union?
Leadership, leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses~ Mitt Romney
I think that quote sums it up. Article after article keeps coming out about issues with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. I think that is time for a leadership change. Something has to change this behavior cannot continue.
So Romney really did leave Bain Capital in 1999 not like the SEC filing said that he was still active as CEO in 2002. I wonder what his tax return will reveal for income in those years in between. Oh my yes, he is responsible… for Romneycare in Massachusetts and being pro choice and pro gay lesbian – before he changed his mind. I see how responsibility is.
Even though Bill Bond wasn’t kind to me, he was correct. These same anti-Bane posters are on every site. How many of them are legitimate, I do not know, but they repeat over and over the same things. Believe whatever you want, but just watch. Their references to personnel matters are not public information that the Sheriff can talk about publically. So, you hear one side of a story without the entire story. Personnel matters no matter how much the top person might like to respond are not permitted. Marc Eaton should and does know this.
Monster: Your boy Bane hides behind the rules that he has made. How convenient that he can’t discuss personnel issues. He doesn’t discuss personnel issues because what he does to people is cruel, underhanded and indecent. I guess he wouldn’t want the crap that he is doing to people be made public. Can’t tarnish his Christ-like image. How long did he know about his major stealing from Home Depot before he made that public ? Can’t discuss personnel issues even when high members of the command staff are committing crimes. Has Bane himself made any statements about his recent deputy caught committing a crime? Oops, personnel issue. When the heat is turned up and he has no other choice, only then is he forced to speak up. He usually has his minions do his dirty work for him. You can bitch all you want about the same people posting the same stuff. The people of Harford County deserve to know how this man is destroying people. Monster, Billy Bond, FV, whoever you are, keep giving thumbs down to the comments posted here. Shows your just as ignorant and cruel as your beloved boy Bane.
and Bill… I will try to be more civil in future postings.
Facts courtesy of the Harford County Government website:
FY 13 Harford County Sheriff’s Correctional Services Budget “Inmate Welfare Fund”? Total expense $201,808.00 on a law library, inmate classroom and generator??????????
A.) 3,284 Office Equipment – copier lease for Inmate Law Library
B.) 500 General Office Supplies – allowable expenses for office supplies
C.) 15,500 Paint – allowable expense for inmates to paint the “old jail”
D.) 37,674 In-House Training – inmate programs through Harford Community College and Habitat for Humanity
E.) 17,850 Professional Books – increase for allowable expenses for law books for Inmate Law Library
F.)127,500 Equipment:
4,000 Other Office Equipment – Computer equipment for law library
8,000 Food Heating Cart
9,500 Work Stations – furniture for inmate classrooms
26,000 Other Furniture & Fixtures – exercise equipment
80,000 Generators – one-time funds to provide for kitchen generator.
Government waste at its best!
When money is so tight why would this be a priority for this Administration. Poor judgement, again.
Its a priority because the SOUTHERN end of the county MUST be delivered for BANE or he is out of a job!
Maybe this 208,000 could be used to make a new jail rap video. A good name might be Harford Hilton Proof Boyz.
What about the thousands (yes, thousands) of hours paid to the correctional officers every month in overtime? Because Bane saw fit to build a new wing to the Detention Center without anyone to staff it. Mismanagement at its finest. And people want this guy to be in charge for another term? Another day is a day too long. When you start talking money mismanagement, maybe then people will listen. All the internal personnel issues don’t affect them. But wantonly wasting their money? Pay attention and listen people!!!!!!
I know my previous comment has nothing to do with shoplifting and corrpution, but the public still deserves to know. Just figured I would make that clear before I was challenged.
Huge waste of government money when you cant even give your deputies a raise. Oh wait a few master deputies did get a raise.
Wow I cant get a raise but we can spend 208,000 on inmates. Priorities they are clear. Wake up Harford County , I questioned Marc Eaton in the beginning now I dont. Sad place to work at. I loved coming to work now I dread it, its not me its the situation. I love my job, I hate the support I get from Sheriff Bane and my LT, Capt, Major and
colonel. I want to do good but I cant do my job worrying about watching my back and what is the next complaint. Let me do me job, thats all I ask for. When will people see how bad it is, I hate this I love my job.
THEN RESIGN, you lazy hump
No Benny no balls I will not resign. Thats what this administation wants. I want this administration to take responsibilitlity for their actions.
Same old thing. The Gahlerites try to hijack a blog and post the same things over and over. I don’t care who you are for in the election for Sheriff, but to try to destroy a reputation for political reasons is wrong. If you ever notice, the most posters who spew anti-Bane statements don’t total more than about 7-9 posters. Out of 500 Sheriff’s Department employees that is a miniscule number. Vote for whom you think is best, but don’t be played by this group, most of whom I believe to be phony posters.
Monster/Bill Bond, you said I was posting under 14 different names. Now your saying it is only 7-9 people posting on here who don’t support Bane. Which is it? Hard to keep your stories I guess Again the only one bringing up Gahler is you.
Marc, DFC RETIRED
I said 7-9 as a maximum. I doubt that it is that many since you post in so many fake names. Get over yourself.
Monster/Bill Bond, I know people see through your little scam. Constantly putting everyone down. Falsely accusing me of posting under multiple names. Distract from the issues, this is what you do best. You offer nothing to the debate. Does Jesse stand behind and rub your shoulders as you post? My four year old grandson has more going for him then you do, and he is a lot smarter to boot. I feel sorry for you, you can’t use your real name because after the election you will need to hide. No one gave you a hard time, your a coward. You silly little man.
No Marc, accusing you and your sycophants of posting under multiple aliases, please get it right. You like flaming anything that comes close to being a Bane story for your own personal agenda. And you have recruited a following of like minded anonymous posters who can log on from different computers and pretend to be discrete and unique entities.
I like to scrapbook Marc. Photography, aviation, space, cooking, baking, and travel, too. I have hobbies. Don’t try to reach me through LinkedIn or Facebook, you do not interest me, you scare me. Find a hobby that does not cause you so much angst over Sheriff Bane.
Monster/Bill Bond, you said I was posting under 14 different names. Now your saying it is only 7-9 people posting on here who don’t support Bane. Which is it? Hard to keep your stories in order I guess Again the only one bringing up Gahler is you.
Monster, the only person ruining Bane’s reputation is Bane himself. You are so full of yourself it’s pathetic. Obviously, you feel that you are superior to all of the other posters. Must because you’re a Baner and your job is safe. FOR NOW. And the reason we have to keep posting the same thing over and over is because you are a friggin moron and can’t understand what is being written. Let’s try shouting: THE REASON THE OTHER 400+ DEPUTIES AREN’T POSTING IS BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID THEY WILL GET CAUGHT POSTING AND THEY WILL LOSE THEIR JOBS. I can make the font bigger, bold my comments and put them in red but even that would make any statement get through your thick bulbous skull.
Bull crap. Let me say it louder, BULL CRAP
Before you post on here know what you are compalining about!!! The Inmate welafre is generated from the inmate commissary. These are funds generated by purchases with their money that is sent in from family friends or that they have when they are booked into the jail. These funds by LAW can not be used for anything other then the inmates. This means stuff that all inmates can directly benifit from. The county controls these funds and it must be documented what the funds are used for. The Sheriff, County Exec and the County Goverment cannot use these funds for anything else. The reason you see them in the budget is just for documentation and accountabilty.
Thank you for clarifying this information. People on this site generally like a good story and don’t let the facts get in the way.
Honey Badger dont care bout no shopliftin…he fearless. He said just do your job! Honey badger dont like complainers
Honeybadger cant deal with the truth being told. Honey Badger dont quit or care thats the problem. Shoplifting is stupidity. Honey badger is part of the problem.
Honey badger knows shopliftins bad…but honey badga dont care. And honey Badga CANT quit…honey badga eats larva. Honey badga knows more than you think
Honey Badger tells us what you know?
Well honey badger sleepy…honey badger tell you tomorrow
Honey Badger. This behavior is not acceptable. I dont care if you dont care but shoplifting is unacceptable. Keep eating mushrooms and worms it going to your head.
Ewww thats gross…honey badger dont eat mushrooms. Honey badger has morals. Eww grossss
Uncle Benny, be careful. I don’t want your ex- to come back on here and spoil your campaign efforts.
me, too. you guys make me ill.
Just a little prison FYI, not sure why it came up during a discussion about a shoplifting police officer, but since it did I’ll address it. Federal law says that the proceeds from commissary sales must be used for inmate expenses. That is it can not be used for officer equipment, pay raises, etc. Before you complain that large amounts of money are being wasted on the inmates you should know that we charge .85 for one package of oodles of noodles, where they are 10 for 1.00 on the street and those profits must be spent on the inmates. If we didn’t spend it on cable TV or toilet partitions etc, we would be forced to leave it in an account untouched.
Thank you again, Common Sense, for posting facts. Half truths are for half assed people, of which there are quite a few on this site. How this topic came up is the same way on every HCSO site. Anti-Bane people (all 3 of them) go off topic every time.
No problems here. Everything is ok at the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. We got Shoplifters, we got people that have lied(now retired background investigators, or serving court paperwork), we got people that have been charged of 2nd degree assault, we got people that have committed tax fraud, we got people that get cleared after having a out of county internal investgation sustained, WE GOT PROBLEMS! WAKE UP. IF YOU THINK IM NOT TELLING THE TRUTH FILE A SLANDER CHARGE. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. WHY BECAUSE IM TELLING THE TRUTH.
Of course slander would be easier if you identified yourself for the sake of those that want to hold you accountable for your “truthiness”, instead of using a made up name.
Why has the order been given by Major Presbury that NO ONE is allowed to speak to the press?
Marc Eaton,DFC Retired,
That is why you have a spokesperson for the HCSO so that dumb asses like you don’t make up a bunch of crap. Don’t mess with Major Pressbury; she will kick your butt on her way to lunch.
Monster or whoever is using this name now, why is the PIO not giving information. Your personality changes with each post. Who is full of hate now?
Today’s Aegis newspaper had a short article regarding this same subject. Their article stated that Deputy Jordan had been suspended without pay, and did not disclose the reason for his suspension.
Which is correct, suspended with pay or suspended without pay? Have the reason(s) for Deputy Jordan’s suspension been confirmed with the Sheriff’s Office?
With pay. I just double-checked with HCSO. No specific reason given, though.
Thanks for the update Aaron, and great job reporting on this story!
Thanks Aaron.
Aaron has the Pennsylvania State Police sent you a copy of the report? It would be interesting to see what the full story was in this case.
The PA state police is just like the Honey Badger, they don’t care.
http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/07/19/new-details-emerge-in-pa-shoplifting-incident-involving-sheriff%e2%80%99s-office-deputy/
Honey Badger dont care bout all this fighting…do your job. You guys sound like a bunch of sissy girls…honey badger aint no sissy…he fearless
Both you and the king cobra should realize the Golden Eagle is far superior. Go Back to sleep cuz you so sleepy.
Honey Badger dont like the golden eagle. Honey badger does all the work catching animals…and the golden eagle just swoops down and takes the scraps…
The Golden Eagle does not eat scraps, he catches his own food; Goats. The Golden Eagle is the most feared animal.
Monster would scare the Golden Eagle and Honey Badger Away. Monster dont play games with no Honey Badger or Golden Eagle.
Ppsshh…honey badger dont care. Honey badger so fearless..honey badger makes goats fall over stiff…then golden eagle swoops down and gets scraps…
Honey badger aint scared of no monsters…honey badger runs backwards
Honey Badger is just Nasty he eats larva who does that. He also gets stung by bees The Golden Eagle would never get stung by a bee.
Honey badger still more fearless…golden eagle is wimp. Golden. eagle kicks billy goats off cliffs where they fall to their death…who does that?
Be quiet honey badger, before i bite you and put you to sleep.
Monster please stay on topic and stop calling everyone mean names, like Hillbilly and Inbred. You portray your leader Jesse Bane in a negative fashion when you use these names.
Inbred, I will stop when you do. I am simply fighting fire with fire. Truthfully, I am tired of being what you are, but I will stay the course against you haters.