Sheriff Jim DeWees

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Carroll County’s top law enforcement officials are pushing for an outside investigation into allegations they say are flat-out unsupported, calling in state prosecutors to review claims made against Sheriff Jim DeWees.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office isn’t waiting around for rumors to grow legs.

Acting Undersheriff Justin Baker said he has formally asked the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor to investigate allegations tied to a civil lawsuit that he says has produced no evidence of wrongdoing by Sheriff Jim DeWees.

Baker said the claims came from “a personal civil lawsuit,” and the agency has found nothing to back them up.

“As the Undersheriff, I asked the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor to review unsupported claims originating from a personal civil lawsuit alleging inappropriate conduct by Sheriff DeWees,” Baker wrote in a letter to the community on Nov. 13.

“I made this request because our agency has found no evidence to substantiate these allegations," he added.

"There have been no internal or external complaints, no employees have come forward to corroborate these claims, and no information has surfaced from any source – other than statements made in a divorce proceeding that was subsequently withdrawn and should remain a private matter.”

Baker said the request wasn’t just his call — it was made at the direction of the sheriff.

“At the request of Sheriff DeWees, I sent a letter to the State Prosecutor’s Office seeking an independent review in the interest of transparency and accountability,” he wrote.

“Should the State agree to investigate, we fully expect the outcome will confirm Sheriff DeWees’s statements to the people of Carroll County that these allegations are untrue.”

DeWees has served as sheriff since December 2014.

Local law enforcement leaders also pushed back on the claims.

The Carroll County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 20 said it hasn’t received a single complaint against the sheriff from anyone in its membership.

“The Carroll County Fraternal Order of Police is aware of the recent allegations involving Sheriff DeWees. At this time, we will not be making any judgments or assumptions regarding the matter. We believe that all individuals are entitled to due process and a fair opportunity to respond to any claims made against them,” the group said.

“The Carroll County Fraternal Order of Police is not aware of any allegations of misconduct against Sheriff DeWees from anyone in our membership."

Officials said since his election in 2014, DeWees has been "a strong advocate for the men and women of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, and his effective leadership has helped to make the Carroll County Sheriff's Office a model law enforcement agency that is committed to serving the community.”

The statement continued: “The Carroll County Fraternal Order of Police has developed and continues to maintain a positive relationship with Sheriff DeWees," they added.

"It is without question that Sheriff DeWees is committed to ensuring that the Deputies of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office are supported in the work that they do day in and day out."

They added: "Our organization remains committed to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who serve the community with integrity, professionalism, and respect."

State prosecutors have not publicly announced whether they will take up the review.

This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates.