Current:Home > InvestIn rare request, county commissioners ask Maine governor to remove sheriff-InfoLens
In rare request, county commissioners ask Maine governor to remove sheriff
View Date:2024-12-23 20:12:50
OXFORD, Maine (AP) — Oxford County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to ask Maine Gov. Janet Mills to remove a sheriff accused of improprieties including the sale of guns from an evidence locker without proper notifications or documentation.
Describing Sheriff Christopher Wainwright as “unworthy” of the job, the commissioners said in a 10-page complaint that there’s no room for a sheriff who holds himself “above the policies that he is charged with administering, above the ethical responsibilities that he swore an oath to uphold, and the laws that he is charged with enforcing.”
Under Maine law, the governor is the only person who can remove sheriffs, who are elected. Mills’ office had no immediate comment.
Wainwright said he’s acknowledged mistakes and apologized for them. “But let me be clear, there is nothing about my conduct in office, personally or professionally, that merits my removal,” he said Wednesday in a written statement.
The sheriff faced several accusations in 2022 and 2023, including urging a deputy to go easy on an acquaintance cited for a traffic violation and allowing two school resource officers to carry guns even though they lacked proper law enforcement certifications to do so.
The gun sale involved dozens of weapons that were given to a gun shop without notifying county officials or recording the transaction. The sheriff’s office didn’t receive cash but received credits for service weapons and ammunition, officials said.
Wainwright has not faced any charges related to the allegations.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- As US Catholic bishops meet, Trump looms over their work on abortion and immigration
- Gisele Bündchen's Look-Alike Daughter Vivian Is All Grown Up as Model Celebrates 43rd Birthday
- Stop High Heel Pain Before It Starts With This Foot Spray
- Indulge in Self-Care With a 47% Off Deal on the Best Kopari Beauty Products
- Candidates line up for special elections to replace Virginia senators recently elected to US House
- True Thompson and Chicago West Mischievously Pay Tribute to Moms Khloe Kardashian and Kim Kardashian
- Robin Thicke's Fiancée April Love Geary Fires Back at Haters Who Criticize Her Photos
- Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Welcome to Wrexham Scores Season 2 Premiere Date
- Fire crews on both US coasts battle wildfires, 1 dead; Veterans Day ceremony postponed
- You’ll Scream and Shout Over Britney Spears and will.i.am’s New Song Calling Out Paparazzi
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Take the Day Off
- Why Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling Are the Perfect Barbie and Ken
- Miranda Lambert Responds to Fan's Shoot Tequila, Not Selfies T-Shirt at Concert
- Save 44% On a Bertello Portable Pizza Oven That’s Fast and Easy To Use
- Will Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul end in KO? Boxers handle question differently
- Restock Alert: The Viral SKIMS Soft Lounge Dress Is Back in New Colors and Styles
- More than 80 million Americans remain under heat alerts
- Why Barbie Makeup Artist Ivana Primorac Didn't Want Margot Robbie to Look Plastic
Recommendation
-
KFC sues Church's Chicken over 'original recipe' fried chicken branding
-
Seaside North Carolina town overrun with hundreds of non-native ducks
-
Smooth Out Stubborn, Deep-Set Wrinkles and Save 50% On Perricone MD Essential FX Deep Crease Serum
-
Human remains found in 3 separate suitcases in Florida, police say
-
Rita Ora Says Liam Payne “Left Such a Mark on This World” in Emotional Tribute
-
Saint West Can't Contain His Excitement During Kim Kardashian's Interview at Lionel Messi's MLS Debut
-
Indulge in Self-Care With a 47% Off Deal on the Best Kopari Beauty Products
-
Camila Cabello’s NSFW Vacation Photos Will Have You Saying My Oh My