Published: August 08, 2008 11:58 am      

Sheriff Served Summons

Summons orders Goad to court; Aug. 20 hearing will focus on his refusal to return 27 patrol cars

CUMBERLAND - Allegany County Sheriff David Goad was served with a summons after a public meeting at Allegany High School ordering him to appear in District Court later this month and explain his refusal to return the 27 sheriff's patrol cars to the county commissioners.

The service came after more than four hours of public testimony, most of it showing practical and passionate support for Goad, who lost responsibility for countywide patrol duties on Monday. More than 200 people attended the meeting.

The order, signed by Barry Levine, assistant county attorney, was filed Wednesday. Goad must appear at 9 a.m. Aug. 20 "to show cause why the property should not be returned to (the commissioners)."

The order notes that Goad was ordered to return the vehicles "and all items of equipment contained in and attached to said vehicles" on Monday.

The order contends the vehicles are the property of the county commissioners, "having been paid for with public funds appropriated by the (commissioners)."

It was handed to Goad as he walked toward the exit of the school's auditorium. Commissioner Jim Stakem said afterward the timing wasn't planned.

"We were hoping that wouldn't be delivered early," Stakem said. "We didn't want to embarrass the sheriff."

Well short of embarrassment, Goad read from the document out loud for all to hear.

"Information has been received that (Goad) or his agents may remove equipment contained in or attached to said motor vehicles if (Goad) decides to honor the request to return said motor vehicles to (the commissioners)," the order read.

A trial date has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 19.

During the public comment portion of the weekly commission meeting - the venue for which was changed to the high school auditorium in anticipation of a larger crowd - Goad said he had no intention of turning the equipment over to noncertified police officers. He was referring to the 14 former sheriff's deputies who were hired this week as the county Bureau of Police expanded.

Each of those officers must be recertified by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission before being permitted to conduct road patrols or being lawful police officers. Gary Moore, chief of police, said Thursday recertification could occur within 10 days. Goad disputed that timeline during the meeting. After being served the summons, he indicated that delays the process until at least Aug. 20.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.