|
Internal investigation underway |
|
|
|
by Gina Hamilton
Coastal Journal staff
BATH - The Sagadahoc County Commissioners voted on Monday to authorize an immediate investigation into an allegation of sexual harrassment made by a patrol deputy against Sheriff Mark Westrum. The alleged conduct occurred in 2006, but was never reported to the commissioners. Nevertheless, according to Commissioner Alan Houston, the Commissioners have a responsibility to county employees and the public to review all allegations of this nature, no matter when or how they emerge.
The Commissioners indicated that they would hire a qualified outside investigator and, according to Houston, are committed to an immediate and timely process. The investigator will have access to all records, personnel, and whatever other resources are necessary to get to the truth, according to Houston. “The Commissioners look forward to being able to let the public know the results of the investigation ... meanwhile, it is appropriate for us to refrain from further comment,” Houston wrote.
The allegation surfaced in the course of an investigation about the possible misuse of federal ‘Weed and Seed’ funds by drug investigator Mark Damren. Damren was placed on paid administrative leave on January 28 pending an internal investigation into those allegations. That investigation is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
Damren made the allegations of sexual harrassment during an interview with the Times-Record’s Darcie Moore last week. Westrum flatly denied that claim, and said he would be willing to take a polygraph to prove that he, Westrum, is telling the truth.
Calls made to the Commissioners office regarding the expected timeframe of the sexual harrassment investigation were not returned by presstime.
|
