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.