ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Heeding calls of local officials for his resignation, Sheriff James Fitzgerald will officially retire as of Oct. 15, 2016, according to one local lawmaker who worked on the negotiations.

Howard County Council Chair Calvin Ball said that he worked with Fitzgerald and the Howard County Office of Law to draw up a contract that would sidestep a lengthy impeachment process. Citizens and elected officials demanded the immediate resignation of the sheriff after a report — finding that Fitzgerald was "offensive" and "abusive" to many, including those who are "female, black, gay, Asian or Jewish" — was released by the Howard County Office of Human Rights last month.

The human rights office compiled the report based on its extensive investigation into Fitzgerald after a lieutenant in the sheriff's office filed a complaint. Human rights officials determined the lieutenant had been subjected to a hostile, retaliatory work environment once Fitzgerald found out he supported neither his campaign nor discrimination in the workplace, according to the report, which was obtained by WBAL TV. As part of the sheriff's retirement negotiations, that particular lieutenant's job — which he left in 2015 — will be reinstated and he will receive back pay, according to Ball, who issued a statement explaining the process. (Read it in full below.)

"Howard County deserves better from its leaders," Ball said. "Elected officials, community leaders, and everyday citizens must be ready and willing to struggle to achieve more to engage our diversity and have the difficult conversations." The sheriff will not be paid to leave his post but will receive his pension, according to WBAL Radio, which reported that Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan will appoint his successor.

Pictured, Sheriff James Fitzgerald, courtesy of Maryland State Archives



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Howard County Sheriff Says He Will Not Resign: Report County Council Chair Calvin Ball issued this statement Tuesday on the sheriff's resignation: "Responding to concerns about Sheriff Fitzgerald and allegations of discrimination, I have diligently worked with all parties to reach a resolution so that our community can begin healing. This wasn't just one call or conversation or press release. This was a difficult process. I believed from the instant the issue came to light that resignation was the only option, and I needed the Sheriff to see that as well. After extensive negotiations, I am pleased to announce the attorneys for all parties have shared with me that a conciliation agreement in principle has been reached. The County's Office of Law has advised that they anticipate a fully signed agreement by close of business today.