An investigation into allegations of domestic violence and child abuse against Bel Air Police Department Chief Charles Moore has been referred to the Baltimore County Police Department due to potential conflicts of interest, while Bel Air’s police union rejected town officials’ comments about the matter and called for an independent investigation. The town announced Wednesday […]
Bel Air Police Chief Leo Matrangola Dies; Search Continues for Replacement
Bel Air Police Chief Leo Matrangola died Sunday morning following an extended battle with health issues, town officials said, more than a week after officially retiring. Bel Air Town Administrator Jesse Bane confirmed Matrangola’s death Sunday evening. “He is somebody that is going to be missed,” Bane said. “He went before his time. He leaves […]
Former Harford County Sheriff Bane to be Interim Bel Air Town Administrator
Former Harford County Sheriff Jesse Bane is set to take over a new role later this month as Bel Air’s interim town administrator. Mayor Rob Reier said Bane will serve a six-month stint, which he likened to a “trial” period for both sides ahead of a possible permanent commitment. The former sheriff takes over from […]
Bane: “I Want to Thank the Public for Believing in Me for 42 Years and Voting Me into Office for Two Terms”
The following letter was recently posted on former Sheriff Jesse Bane’s election website. Through a spokeswoman, Bane declined an interview with The Dagger in mid-November. For 42 years, I had the distinct pleasure to serve the citizens of Harford County, first as a deputy sheriff, then as your Sheriff. It would not be appropriate were […]
Betz: “Bane’s Claim of ‘Prior Information That I Was Leaving the Agency’ is Inaccurate, Not Possible, and an Untruth”
The following letter was prepared earlier this summer by Harford County Sheriff’s Office Lt. (Ret.) David Betz and distributed to deputies regarding statements made about Betz’s promotion prior to his retirement. The letter was provided to The Dagger for publication via a third party, but its contents were confirmed by Betz as genuine. A clip […]
Gahler: Contrary to Sheriff Bane Claim, “I Proposed the Effort to Combine the Criminal Investigators Within the County”
From Jeffrey R. Gahler: Dear Harford County Residents: With less than one month before the General Election, candidates are working hard to deliver their message to perspective voters. Most candidates are proud of their platform and welcome the opportunity to espouse their positions in candid and honest detail. Regrettably, Sheriff Bane has found this approach […]
Marijuana Decriminalization Laws Take Effect; Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies to Weigh Substance at Precincts
The state’s new marijuana decriminalization laws take effect Wednesday, and Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies will have to use their judgment in deciding whether an amount of suspected substance found on an individual might exceed the weight considered a civil offense under the legislation. Under the law, passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed […]
Gahler: “I Have Never Been Directly or Indirectly Involved in the Termination of 70 Troopers”
From Harford County Sheriff candidate Jeffrey R. Gahler: Dear Harford County Residents: On July 16th, the Harford County Correctional Association invited this year’s candidates for Sheriff to address the correctional membership and discuss our respective views on policing, custodial leadership and how to make Harford County a safer place to live and work. During these […]
