Westminster, MD, Friday, November 14, 2025 – In response to requests from several constituents for the Board of Commissioners (Board) to investigate allegations against Sheriff Jim DeWees, Commissioner Kiler, President of the Board, stated yesterday in open session that “under state law, the Sheriff is an independently elected state constitutional official with authority set forth in state law. While county governments are responsible for funding the Office of Sheriff, the Sheriff is not subject to the direction of the BoC with regard to the conduct of his or her office.”

Commissioner Kiler continued to share that Maj. Justin Baker of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office wrote a letter on Wednesday, November 12^th, to Investigations Director Timothy Frye in the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, requesting an investigation into claims that Sheriff DeWees “had sexual relations with deputies and staff.” The letter continued to say there have not been any formal complaints against Jim DeWees and that the agency is requesting the investigation in the interest of transparency.

As noted in initial statements from the Board, the Office of the Sheriff has its own policies and procedures, and its operations are independent from the county.  Hence, grievances made about the Sheriff are not handled through county government.

The Board remains committed to transparency and accountability within the limits of its legal authority and will continue to support open communication with residents regarding matters of public concern. Therefore, the Board supports the decision for an outside investigation