News Events
QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SHERIFF R. GARY HOFMANN
Incident: US Treasury Audit
Location: QA Sheriff’s Headquarters
Date: September 22nd, 2010
Narrative: On September 22nd agents from the US Treasury – Office of Inspector General arrived at the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office in response to allegations made reference to the use of seized federal funds. Based on complaints filed by persons whose identities were withheld from the Sheriff’s Office, interviews of various members of Sheriff’s Office, financial records reviewed and verification of equipment purchased was completed by agents over several days in a two week period. In addition, persons from the QA Finance Office and IT department were also contacted and interviewed.
Many persons who were interviewed indicated that they felt that the allegations were purely politically motivated. This belief was confirmed on Monday evening’s Sheriff’s forum when a citizen directed a question about the Treasury Inquiry to Sheriff Hofmann.
In his response Sheriff Hofmann replied that on Friday, October 15th, he was contacted by Anthony J. Scott, Assistant Special Agent in Charge who reported that their inquiry was finished, all allegations were found to be unsubstantiated and the matter was closed. SA Scott went on to thank the Sheriff and staff for their full cooperation in the matter.
Sheriff Hofmann stated he was glad that the allegations were made as “this should dispel the false statements made by the opposition and that the next four years is starting with a clean slate”.
Campaign 2010 Sheriff candidates square off at forum
Livingston Banks, Democrat; incumbent R.G. “Gary” Hofmann, Republican; and Constitution candidate Charles “Pete” Richter each gave two-minute opening and closing statements and answered a variety of inquiries.
Posted: Sunday, October 24, 2010 1:00 am | Updated: 9:30 am, Sun Oct 24, 2010.
By SHAUNA THOMPSON Special to the Record Observer | 0 comments
CENTREVILLE Candidates for Queen Anne's County sheriff faced off against each other and a tough crowd Monday at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
Candidates answered mostly personal and accusing questions from the audience for an hour and a half before moderator Jacki Carter ended the session with audience members still lined up for more.
Incumbent R.G. "Gary" Hofmann, Republican; Livingston Banks, Democrat; and Constitution candidate Charles "Pete" Richter each gave two-minute opening and closing statements and answered a variety of inquiries targeted specifically to them with few geared toward the panel.
Richter received very few individual questions, while Hofmann and Banks received the brunt of queries focused on outing alleged misbehavior and misrepresentation.
Both Banks and Hofmann posted statements on their Facebook pages after the forum.
"I understand that my supporters are angry at the personal and slanderous questions that were directed to me by my opponent's supporters," wrote Banks. "It is obvious to everyone that my opponent had complete knowledge of, and approved of this behavior. I will not lower myself or allow my supporters to conduct themselves in this type of manner. We will win this campaign with honestly, integrity and facts."
"Funny, now they are saying they won't tolerate the bad things that his ... supporters are doing, rumors, allegations, ... innuendos, I guess two weeks before an election they have a change of heart!" wrote Hofmann. "More importantly, the FORUM went well, while we were able to present facts, and eliminate rumors being spread! Thanks to all who attended."
At the forum, Hofmann said a recent audit on his department found the budget and spending to be on target, if not a little under.
"I received a call from Anthony Scott (auditor)," said Hofmann. "He gave us a clean slate and closed the case, unsubstantiated. The budget has been established and returned at below budget."
Hofmann indicated that he has received compliments not only on his ability to spread a thin budget but on his availability and it is that availability that requires him to be in uniform, even while campaigning.
"I'm on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The first time I wasn't ready, you'd have something to say about that," said Hofmann. "You can rest assured, I will be there."
Banks assured the crowd that he does not drink and drive in state vehicles. "I've never had a drink and then driven a state-owned vehicle," said Banks.
Mary Dietz of Chester said, "there are pictures to prove it."
"I'd like to see those pictures," said Banks.
Banks explained that the law allows a trooper to use a picture taken before he ran for office and that the picture of him in his campaign literature was taken before he filed for candidacy.
Banks' most personal question came from Kevin Philpot of Kent Island, who asked about a fatal accident in which Banks allegedly used a cell phone while driving and hit a pedestrian.
"That's very personal, but I'll answer anyway," said Banks. He said his cell phone had been collected directly after the accident and no evidence was found that he'd been on either a call or involved in texting. "If I'd been on the phone, I would have been fired," said Banks, who indicated it was a still a very emotional situation for him. "I hope no one is ever involved in such a thing," he said.
Richter was required to answer mostly questions directed to the group with only a few individual inquiries. Topics for the group included the legalization of marijuana and gun control.
Hofmann said he is not for the legalization of marijuana but would support any federal government mandate and work with government officials.
Richter indicated he is not worried about marijuana as much as heroin. "Baltimore is the heroin capital of the U.S.," said Richter, adding that there is a heroin epidemic on Kent Island. "Am I for smoking dope? Of course not. But I'd rather have someone smoking than killing old ladies for drug money. We need to stop the crime," said Richter.
Banks agreed with Richter, that marijuana may not be the issue right now. "Heroin is taking a toll on young folks in our county, here in Maryland and across the U.S." He also added that most people are killed on the highways and it is difficult to determine marijuana use with drivers.
All three candidates agreed that law-abiding citizens should be allowed guns, but control was important.
Hofmann is a resident of Centreville with more than 20 years in law enforcement. He was elected sheriff in 2006.
Banks is a resident of Queenstown, a native of the Eastern Shore and a 25-year veteran of the Maryland State Police.
Richter is a 13-year resident of Queen Anne's County and a retired Baltimore City police officer.
Detailed information on the three candidates can be found on their respective web pages.
