HARFORD CO, MD – Police are investigating an allegation that Harford County government officials and business owners have been the victim of illegal wiretapping. Who and by who remains unclear, as police have not released much information regarding the incident.
Harford County Councilman Aaron Penman said the administration of County Executive Robert G. Cassilly did the wiretapping.
“The Cassilly Administration has weaponized the government to target and spy on those who seek oversight,” Penman said in a statement. “Evidence has been obtained that reveals the Cassilly Administration has monitored phone and email communication between Councilman Penman, Sheriff Gahler, former County Executive Barry Glassman, a private attorney, and targeted citizens. Cassilly and his Administration have no authority to spy on or review electronic data outside of his Executive Branch. This deliberate and coordinated effort is believed to have been orchestrated to monitor and hinder an ongoing investigation.”
On July 27, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office received a criminal complaint regarding potential violations of Maryland’s wiretap statute. The complaint alleged the illegal interception of electronic communications, specifically involving elected and government officials, as well as members of the business community.
As per standard protocol, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office must thoroughly investigate any reported crime. In this case, the alleged violations are particularly serious due to Maryland’s robust wiretapping laws prioritizing safeguarding citizens’ privacy.
Given the complexity of the wiretapping statutes and the involvement of elected officials as victims, detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division have been assigned to handle this case. They will report directly to the Harford County State’s Attorney to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the investigation.
To maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office will refrain from providing additional information or making any comments.
“This misconduct in Office is not only a violation of the 4th amendment rights of those targeted but an attack on democracy, along with the separation and independent powers of the Office of District B and Sheriff’s Office. There is no difference between this violation and an illegal search and seizure of Councilman Penman’s office and documents. A place with private and confidential correspondences between Councilman Penman and constituents,” Penman said. “This shocking discovery is grounds for an immediate criminal investigation for misconduct in office and wiretapping violations, under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 10-401, a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine.”
Cassilly was unable to be reached for comment. He was sworn in as executive in December after serving as a state senator. Police have not officially identified Cassilly as a suspect in the matter.