BEL AIR, Md. — A Harford County Circuit Court judge has upheld a decision by the Maryland Public Information Act Compliance Board (PIACB), ruling that the administration of Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly violated the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) by refusing to disclose requested public records.

The dispute stems from a 2023 MPIA request filed by Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, seeking transparency regarding the Central Precinct and Training Academy Project and the selection of MW Studios Architecture Master Planning (MWS) to conduct a feasibility study. The sheriff raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest in awarding the study to MWS, citing questions over the firm’s relationship with Cassilly’s administration.

After repeated refusals by the Cassilly administration to comply with the request, the matter was escalated to the PIACB, which ruled in March that the administration had violated the law by failing to search for and provide records. The board directed the county to conduct a good-faith search and release all non-exempt responsive documents. However, the administration resisted compliance, prompting the matter to proceed to court.

During the Dec. 18 court hearing, County Attorney Jefferson Blomquist defended the administration’s actions, citing legal uncertainties. However, under questioning, Blomquist conceded that the Cassilly administration may have committed a crime by intercepting emails and text messages of a county councilman—a separate but related controversy. Judge Pierson, noting inconsistencies in the administration’s arguments, affirmed the PIACB’s ruling and ordered the records’ release within 30 days.

This marks the second time the Cassilly administration has been found in violation of the MPIA. The court’s decision highlights ongoing tensions over transparency and accountability, as critics argue that the administration continues to obstruct access to public information.

“The citizens of Harford County deserve transparency,” said a representative from Sheriff Gahler’s office. The administration has not indicated whether it will comply with the court order or pursue further legal action.

Judge Pierson’s decision reinforces the public’s right to access government records, even as the Cassilly administration faces mounting scrutiny for its actions.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.