I have been working on a story about the Warden and former Sheriff's Deputy Mr. Purnell. The Daily Times has been giving this situation some press lately and as I have been researching it for the past week or so, many questions come to mind.
One, if the Warden before him was let go because of liability issues, why did they hire Purnell, fully knowing he was in the middle of a lawsuit where he allegedly served a warrant and the person he was serving fled. Mind you, he was simply serving a warrant and Purnell admittedly shot the man in the back or elbow, (I've heard two different stories on that), even though he didn't have a weapon. Allegedly Purnell, (a Sheriff's Deputy at the time) was reaching for his teaser gun, (the perp was running away from him) and instead mistakenly reach for his gun by accident and then shot the man.
OK, so that's the story. Now, how in the heck could Somerset County hire a guy as a Warden with such a case and have fired the Warden before him because of liability issues?
Then I'd like to know, who paid his legal fees to defend his case? I'll give you a guess but that's all it is at this point and time, a guess.
Some say Purnell is a great guy, some say he's an a$$hole. I don't know the man but I can tell you, people in Somerset County are PISSED! For what it's worth, the guy he shot is black.
Let's hear what our friends in Somerset County have to say about this issue.
It should be noted that Mr. Henry, (the man who was shot) had 3 warrants out for his arrest. One was for child support and two were from escape. I'm recently told that Mr. Henry shoved Purnell and then tried to run, that's when he was shot. On another note, I'm told the States Attorneys Office released Mr. Purnell from any charges within ONE HOUR after the shooting. I've also been told the legal bills were paid by LGIT.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
94 comments:
Joe,
I'm elated that you are still trying to get answers to the way the Somerset County Detention Center investigation was handled. As one that was close to the investigation I can tell you there are more questions than answers and unfortunately the public servants with the answers have done a very good job of keeping this whole investigation secret. Somerset County administrators and Wicomico County officials are so afraid that the truth will get out that they will not even comply with the freedom of information act. I can state the following as fact. Investigation started February 2007 by WBI. Investigation expaned to a point that in March 2007 the Maryland State Police assumed responsibility for the investigation. In June 2007 deals were made with Warden Henderson that if he would resign no charges would be ever be brought against him. That was mistake number one by prosecutors. They could not have possibly known at the time what the investigation would reveal. Investigation continued until January 2008. During the coarse of the investigation it was also learned that Princess Anne Police Chief Pecoraro had been involved in illegal activity as well, which led to his resignation. Did anyone see him at the recent Police Station dedication?? I have much more information about this case that I can reveal if anyone is interested. I'll check back for comments later. I do not know why the Commissioners hired Purnell if he had liability issues but what baffles my mind is why they rehired Ex Warden James L. Henderson, knowing that he was the center of a criminal investigation.
Do entertain us with more information. Just remember, replies could come back and bite you in the ass.
Pecoraro left his position ill , and still is. Please get your facts together!! You are one brave individual! (maybe not , no name)
do you have proof, or just blowing wind
If you consider the official Maryland State Police report proof, than I have proof. After all it is public information and if anyone out there is really interested in reading it you can obtain it from Central records Division, 1711 Belmont Avenue Baltimore, Md. 21244. It's 90 pages and costs .75 per page. I barely revealed the tip of the iceberg. Somerset and Wicomico had rather stonewall but the state had no problem releasing the report. After all closed cases, even criminal cases, are public information. Don't believe me, check it out for yourself.
So what is the old PAPD Chief's involvment, that does not make any sense. I thought he was hurt too, isnt that why he went out. You make it sound like he was convicted of something. I would tread softlee here, like Joe said it could come back to haunt you.
Purnell is a good guy and he's doing a good job as the warden.
That's the problem, no one was charged with anything in this case. The chiefs involvement stemmed from misappropriation of funds. Detention Center prisoners were used for a considerable amount of work that was done on the old jail. How, and the amount of money they were paid was at the center of this particular issue. Prisoner labor at Sheriff Jone's home is also revealed in the report. The criminal behavior in this report is obvious. The only questions that need to be answered are WHY no charges were ever brought, and why Henderson was rehired by the County before the investigation was over.
Purnell is a great Warden, the old chief was a crook, and people should mind their own business
I would also like to know why Warden Purnell who is no longer employed by the Sheriff's Department is still allowed to drive a marked Sheriff's car and has a K-9 dog assigned to him? The detention center and sheriff's department are two different agency's how can he jold a position with both?
Gotta throw the race card in dontcha Albero? Who cares if he's green. For what it's worth, what's your point?
You want to get tough with me you anonymous piece of sh!t, use your real name instead of hiding behind a white sheet or an anonymous name. Till then, go to hell.
It's not a question of whether or not Purnell is a good guy. It's a question of why he was ever made warden to begin with. He totally lacked the required minimum qualifications necessary for this job and when the county administrator was asked about this he would only say that the county was going in a new direction. Purnell had absolutely no management expierence in adult corrections and he only made the rank of corporal with DNR before retiring. This case concerning the shooting of Henry was still in litigation when he was appointed to the warden's position. The cmmunity feels that he obtained this postion due to the fact that he is the nephew of P.J. Purnell, the mayor of Crisfileld. His appointment was definently not based on required and necessary experience. The shooting of Henry should make the citizens of Somerset County ask their elected leaders if this kind of conduct is permissible and why its taken so long for the public to be made aware of this situation. Obviously Purnell is a definite liability for the county. It appears to most people that the appointment of Purnell to wardem was not based on the needs of the county. The county had just lost the last warden (he resigned and was not fired) who was a serious liability problem so why would the county appoint Purnell when litigation of the Henry shooting was still ongoing? Your elected officials seem to be more concerned about keeping their own self serving political careers alive than what is right for the county. Also, can someone please tell the citizens how an individual with approximately thirty years in law enforcement (not corrections) made the kind of mistake that Purnell made in the shooting of Henry? Even the federal court made comment that this might have been an anger issue with Purnell concerning Henry. It should be noted that Henry was shot from behind and that he was unarmed. Wake up Somerset County, its time for answers from your elected officials and most definently a time for a total change in the next upcoming county commissioners' election. The citizens of Somerset County deserve better from the elected oficials and should demand same.
Rumor has it that one particular SCDC work release inmate was paid by Chief Pecoraro with multiple checks totaling upwards of $12,000 that were drawn on the town of Princess Anne and signed by Frank White himself. This was for some sort of masonry work done at the Princess Anne police department. After the inmate cashed the checks the chief allowed him to store the cash in a locker at the police department. Also, those work release inmates were allowed to stay out all hours of the night "working" on the police department and ran up a several thousand dollar tab at a local convenience store. This is in addition to the illegal actions at the SCDC by Henderson. Perhaps everyone should ask Kristy Hickman and Davis Ruark why no charges were brought as they basically agreed to let everyone resign in return for closing the investigation.
If everyone just minded their own business as anon 2:59 suggested, corruption in government would only get much worse. People need to get more active and involved in what is really going on. Hold elected officials responsibly for their decisions and ask questions if you don't understand. After all they work for us and should be held accountable.
I do not think either one of you know what you are talking about in regards to James Henderson. He was the best Warden that ever hed the position at the Detention Center. It was the only time in its history that it received excellence awards from the State. Why do you continue to post information that you totally know nothing about? The inmates are criminals not angels. They are in there for a reason. I think it is about time we treat them for what they are, CRIMINALS!!! It is a sad time in this world whens the CRIMINAL has more rights than the honest hard working individuals. Why don't you check into where the inmate that filed the allegation against Mr. Henderson is currently. He posted his address as Westover, guess where it is??? ECI, Eastern Correctional Institute. I guess he was put there because he is such an honest citizen...WRONG!! As fair as prisoner labor at Sheriff Jones, please,who really cars, they should be out doing more labor than our tax dollars supporting their irresponsbile asses. Leave people alone that are trying to do a good job. It was a GREAT loss to the Somerset County Detention Center and its employees when he resigned. Mr. Henderson left on goods terms with his employer and what I hear is doing an outstanding job in his current position. You are all nothing but a bunch of @(&#$ stirrers!!!!!
The audacity of these prosecutors! How stupid do they think the public is. I've heard about the close relationship of Henderson & Hickman but this is rediculous. Henderson has been quoted many times in the Daily Times as saying I have a close working relationship with the States Attorneys office. I agree, much too close.
In reference to 11:25, if Henderson was such a great warden and there was no wrong doing on his part then why did he resign? The answer is painfully obvious. As for inmate rights, the citizens should know that its the violations of those very rights that can cost the tax payers plenty. A warden is responsible not only for public safety but also responsible to protect the rights of those incarcerated. This is the real world. But the real issue here is Purnell. His shooting of an unarmed man in the back is what the citizens should be concentrating on. Do the citizens really want a person like this in charge of a public safety department? Our county commissioners have not been honest with us about Purnell ever since he was appointed warden. Perhaps an outside entity such as the ACLU or Department of Justice should take a long hard look at the hiring practices in Somerset County. We have real problems in this county and these problems are not going to go away until we have responsible non-self serving elected officials in office. Wake up Somerset County.
Hey 11:25, you better check your facts. The warden prior to Henderson had also achieved the same, as you called them, excellence awards. These so called awards are based on compliance with corretional standards and its the job of every warden to maintain 100% compliance with all correctional standards.
Anon 11:25. You have to either be a Henderson crony or the man himself. You say we know nothing about this case. What about the guy with the police report, do you not believe it? Have you made any attempt to find out the facts in this case? It sounds like in your opinion it is perfectly OK to assualt, tazer, mace, and threaten inmates just because they are inmates. How about dragging them thur the jail naked and commenting on their private parts. If this is OK I feel sorry for you. You ask who cares if prisoners are working at Sheriff Jones house. I do and by implying that this is acceptable just shows that you have no respect for the law at all.
idIn regards to anon 11:25, get your facts straight. It was not an inmate who filed a complaint against Henderson. The investigation was demanded by a tax paying citizen. Inmates are sentenced to incarceration by judges as punishment for their wrongdoings. The correctional officers and wardens are there to guard those individuals, not to act as judge, jury and executioner, nor to take the law into their own hands. If this happens, they are as criminal as the ones behind bars. There are laws that protect the inmate as well. Henderson had suit filed on him while he was at ECI. He managed to negotiate a "resignation". Then he did the same things at the county jail. Again the commissioners, created a position for him as head of Animal Control. The position posted was that of supervisor, with a salary of 25G. Yet, Henderson has bragged to his buddies that he is getting about what he was getting at the jail. Wonder where that is displayed in the county budget. He was given another position within the county, even though the county was notified prior to this of an intention to file suit related to Henderson's abuse and violation of Civil Rights. Wouldn't you think that by now, the County would try to decrease any litigation, instead of flaunting all of these individuals to the public. Come on Somerset Co. enough is enough.
It never ceases to amaze me at what lenghts someone will go, to cover something up rather than address it in the open. Somerset appears to be trying to rewrite the "good ole boys club" book. I find it inconceivable that they would hire Purnell to replace Henderson at the jail with pending litagation, but I guess that is nothing to them rehiring Henderson as dog catcher when there was still a criminal investigation ongoing about his abuse, misuse of funding and exploitation of inmates. Henderson made the comment that if he went down at the jail that he was not going down alone. Wonder who he has the goods on and was planning on taking down with him. Everyone seems to be covering for him from the commissioners to Kristy Hickman and many others. Wake up Somerset County. We must make ourselves known with the next election. Do they think that we are fools? The answer to that is probably "yes". I understand that Judge Hayman is planning on retiring. Guess who is trying to position herself to get his job. Kristy Hickman. But it gets worse, I understand that Sherriff Jones is not planning on running for re-election. Guess who wants his job? Right, You guessed it. JAMES HENDERSON "and the beat goes on" Sonny and Cher had it right.
In regards to anon 11:25, if Henderson was supposed to be on such good terms with his employer, why did he have to hire Mr. Antonelli to negotiate his "resignation" from the detention center, so that no charges would be filed against him. This happened in June 07 but the investigation was not closed until Jan 08. Seeems like someone has a lot of explaining to do, I sure do hope that he paid Antonelli's fee himself, or did the county pay that too.
It seems that a whole lot of people have a tremendous amount of information about this issue. I wounder if that surprises the prosecutors and commissioners? I wish the elections were tomorrow.
With all the negative commentary about our elected officials I am mystified as to why they do not come on here and defend themselfs. Could it be all of the allegations are true and they have no defense? Somerset Administrator Daniel Powell would not even reveal which commissioners voted for and against rehiring Warden Henderson or Purnell. If I were a commissioner that voted against the hirings I would be on here, and screaming from the highest mountain top that I voted against it. OH! maybe none of them actually did vote against it. If anyone is interested why not call Powell and ask. After all we elected them, do we not have a right to know how they vote on everything and I do mean everything? What about minutes of meetings, does the public not have a right to know? Why not publish all minutes of all meetings, the City of Crisfield does and I give them credit for that. Not as much secrecy in government there.
Mayor T can't hold a candle stick to these guys when it comes to incompetance and pure disregard for the law.
Somerset County States attorney Kristy Hickman has a real problem prosecuting anyone in her inner circle, political party. (Dems) Just look at the facts. No charges against Purnell, Henderson, Jones, Pecoraro, and also correctional officer Bivens who was taking contraband into the detention center in return for sexual favors. Bivens was allowed to resign just like the Warden. I understand that the family of the person Bivens accousted was very upset at the fact a deal was made.
A slap in the face was when a commissioner was quoted in the paper as telling Bivens "we have heard you've been doing a good job down there". Unbelievable but true, check the daily times archives.
Were the County Commissioners given a seven page report concerning the problems and actions that were occurring under Wardern Henderson?
Excellent question anon 9:38. There was a separate report generated by WBI dealing with the operational problems of the Detention Center. This inspection was generated by WBI with the assistance of Wicomico Detention center Warden Douglas Devenyns. One would have to believe that this report was given to the commissioners in order for them to have placed Henderson on adminsitrative leave. If it wasn't given to them why would that have put him on leave in the first place? I have been told by those who know, and have had access to that report that it was very very unfavorable for the Somerset Detention Center. Daniel Powell, County Administrator has reffered to this report as similar to a grand jury inspection report. That could be, but if that is the case than release it Mr. Powell. What is so secret about it? Could it be that it showed just how horrible the conditions were at the Detention Center. Would it make a resonable person say "what were they thinking when they rehired Henderson". Again this stuff should be public information. I would suggest calling Mr. Powell and telling him that you would like to come in and read the report. Unfortunately don't be suprised if he denies it's existance. That would seem a bit strange, I would have to admit since he once refered to it as similar to a Grand Jury report.
Hey folks, the Henderson disaster was created by pure neligence and arrogance by our elected and appointed officials. It is what it is and nothing is going to change that for right now. The real focus must be on Purnell and his actions involving the shooting of an unarmed man in the back. He does not represent the best of Somerset County by a long shot and is an embarassment to law enforcement. Our county leaders have no code or honor or they would have hired an individual who actually met the qualifications instead of hiring Purnell. All that our elected and appointed officials have done is left the citizens holding the liability bag for Purnell and Henderson. But one powerful thing can happen to make this change and this change can take place at the ballot box provided the citizens have finally had enough of the absolute incompetence, negligence and arrogance of the current county commissioners and county administrator. We need to keep our focus on the Purnell issue and demand answers. Wake up Somerset County!!
Joe,
Looks like the minuscule amount of Henderson, Jones, Purnell, Pecoraro, Hickman, Powell, Ruark supporters has dried up. The A$$ bites could hardly be felt. It's difficult for anyone to argue with truth and facts. I guess it's time to declare victory and mission accomplished until the next battle. Stay tuned.
Wow-I dont see anyone in authority trying to defend themselves.What can we deduce from the silence?
I would say some things are indefensible.. I believe Bill Clinton said his actions were indefensible when he had his fling with Monica Lewinski. When the evidence clearly shows there were screwups, coverups, and wrongdoing, than what can they defend? Attorney Jim Anthenelli may get some more new clients soon.
Hey Joe,
Have you got any new info on this Purnell thing?? It seems, as usual, that the good ole boys govenment in Somerset County is doing what it does best....not providing information to its own citizens and not taking responsibility for their own self serving actions. I guess its hard for cowards to face the truth!!
Joe,
Please don't let this issue with Somerest go away especially the Purnell issue. There is a lot of information out here that the public should be made aware of. Its evident that it takes a lot for the folks in Somerset to wake up and realize that their county government is a "members" only club. This is seriuos busness and its time for a change. Somerset, please wake up and start demanding information and answers...after all its your tax dollars that are being squandered and wasted on a government that allows a deputy sheriff to shoot an unarmed man in the back and then promotes this same person to an even higher level of responsibility in the county while litigation is ongoing. Does anybody see anything wrong with this? Also, we should demand to know how much the county paid to the victim (Henry) since Somerset County is not named in the ongoing lawsuit. Its very evident that the county reached a speedy settlement with Henry. These questions need to be answered by our county commissioners and the sooner the better. WAKE UP SOMERSET COUNTY!
I think you are hitting nerves but are not going to be able to do ANYTHING about this! Good Luck!
The County Commissioners are acting irresponsible but so is the State's Attorney. The main objective of that office is to protect the good of the citizen's who put her in office. Instead, she mainly protects the good of her cronies. She apparently dismissed any wrong doing of Purnell within one hour of the shooting. How much investigation went into that, do you think?
She also did not prosecute Bivens from the SCDC for soliciting sexual "favors" from female inmates by supplying them with contaband, etc. She also is a "CLOSE friend' of James Henderson, the former warden, who was being investigaqted for all kinds of illegal activity. I understand that this case was turned over to Wico. Co, but Hickman was involved throughout, setting up appointments for Henderson to meet with MSP, etc. Rumor has it that she also drove to his house and picked him up the day that he was placed on administrative leave. These are only three instances but I am sure that there must be many more. Apparently, if you work for the county and are a "political ally" you can do what you want and Hickman will not proceed with prosecution. She seems to go out of her way to protect those that she should be prosecuting. Reading 2:44, if she has aspirations of becoming the judge, I certainly hope that the people of this county wake up and realize what is going on. Hopefully, Mike Nifong will have company.
Amen 8:23. Rumor has it that $80,000.00 was paid in the lawsuit brought by Henry. Should't this show up as an expense somewhere it the records? I find it simply unbelievable that a simple phone call to Daniel Powell would not be sufficient to obtain the facts about that. Lets all call him and ask, that is what he is there for. Don't forget, we are paying him.
Just a suggestion Joe. All of this gigantic mess involves the same corrupt individules and is similar in nature but are really two different situations occuring at two different points in time. Maybe two different posts would be more appropriate and us folks could follow which ever we choose to follow. Thanks
I am a parent of an ex inmate in the Somerset County Detention Center. I would like to make several comments. First, my son had been in jail on several occasions. I will have to say that Mr. Henderson treated my son and my family with the utmost respect. Mr. Henderson was strict but FAIR. I believe anyone that knows Mr. Henderson would say he is was a fair Warden and my understanding that his employees (all but a couple and you know who you are and yes I know that the blogs are from you and you only have a job because one of reason-INLAW)were very satisfied with him and his command. I was sorry to see Mr. Henderson resigned. I have been told by law enforcement that the facility was the best when he was in charge. As fair as allegations about Mr. Henderson and Mrs. Hickman, I think they are very amusing. I would think the States Attorney and the Warden, Sheriff or any other law enforcement officer would and should work closely and should have a good relationship. I cannot understand why any Somerset County resident would allow their County to be dragged through such manure. I am proud of my County and I think it is time we should take a stand. If anyone is so miserable and unhappy I think it is time they move to another county such as Wicomico where there is pure bliss. It is like living in the good old United States, if you ain't happy GET OUT!!
Get ready for a rude awakening 3:57. You are not informed. It's a prosecutors job to prosecute those who engage in criminal behavior. That did not happen in this case. I would rather live in a county that is being dragged thru the mud than live in a county where this type of behavior is covered up and even rewarded by the very ones that were elected to protect us from this type of crime. I'm glad that your son was not one of Henderson's victims. Unfortunately, mine was, along with many others. The truth will soon be exposed.
I also hear it may also be in Mr. Henderson's favor. If this is the case we are going to make an appeal to the Somerset County Commissioners. An inmate will say anything to be released. I have seen it happen. They are in jail for a reason. I hate to say they are all liars but I think the majority rules. Lets go with the warden down south, put the inmates out in tents and on chain gangs dressed in pink. No air conditiioning, weight rooms,and activity areas. Our society has gotten laxed. When your child has been abused or murdered by one of these monsters lets see how you will feel then. We have allowed these inmates more rights than they should have. They get three meals a day and have a place to lay their heads down, I say lets send them over to Iraq and let them see what is is really like, our boys are dying for our country and we are catering here to raptist, drug dealers and murderers. Mothers get a grip, your baby boys and girls are not angels. Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to a mistake, but these are REPEATED OFFENDERS. They lost their rights the day they returned to jail. I love my county and I am proud of the officals and I agree with 3:57, if you don't like it and you are part of the problem, GET OUT!!!! I don't think we will really miss you......
11:50, We have a great prosecutor who has done a fantastic job. What have you not been protected from???? When you have your child murdered, talk to me then. Until then try to clean up your own backyard and let the good people of the county do their job. Let me tell you what have you contributed to our county, another mouth for the tax payers to feed, clothe, and receive medical assistance ......
OK 10:49am, I'm all for what Joe Arpaio is doing in Arizona. He is one tough law enforcement officer and I'm all for that. Only one difference between him and Henderson and that is Arpaio operates within the law. I would be thrilled to have a real man like Sheriff Arpaio in Somerset County as warden or Sheriff. If Arpaio ran his jails the way Henderson ran the detention center, than Arpaio would be in federal prison today. That is really where Henderson should be. You do not know the facts in this case. Assualt, Malfesance, reckless endangerment,contraband delivery, just a few of the things Henderson engaged in. You say you will appeal to the Commissioners. I strongly believe when the facts are known, soon, many will appeal to the commissioners in order to have Henderson removed as dog catcher.
As far as 11:50 is concerned I couldn't disagree with you more about our prosecutor. She has failed to bring charges against any of her cronies. A real prosecutor doesn't let friendship and politics stand in the way of doing the right thing. The fact is she couldn't stand to see an inmate bring down her good friend and political ally James L. Henderson. I would suggest that if Henderson were a republican he would be in jail now where he belongs. As far as the county officials doing there job, I really wish they would. Especially Kristy Hickman and it would also be nice if Daniel Powell would devote a little time discovering the facts before making decisions. If he had, maybe he would not be in a position now of having to defend the commissioners decision to rehire Henderson. Much more to come.
Hey Folks....you are losing focus on what the real matter is here. The focus shoud be on Purnell and his actions, his lack of qualifications and the actions of our county commissioners. Wake up Somerset County......we have real problems with our elected and appointed leaders and a DRASTIC CHANGE is needed at the next election. Demand answers and quality leadership.....please stop settling for the same "good ole boys" style of government that is not meeting the needs of Somerset County. We deserve much better.
I don't think anyone is losing focus, most agree with you 100% 10:42. Every commissioner, states attorney, county administrator, and sheriff need to go next election. They have all made horrible decisions on both the Purnell and Henderson issues. Frankly there just seems to be a little more interest in the Henderson situation because of how the investigation implicated not only Henderson but also Sheriff Jones, and Chief Pecoraro. The fact that States attorney Kristy Hickman never even conducted an investigation into the Purnell situation caused many, including myself to be unaware of the Purnell situation entirely. I'm glad it is being discussed now, maybe she will have to come clean on how she handled both cases.
As far as good old boys, would nepotism apply here? Let's see! Commissioners Samuel Boston and Rex Simpkins are brothers in law. They hire Rex Simkins brother Kirk Simpkins to be county attorney. All Simpkins are related to Judge Daniel Long. Commissioner Boston's brother Jerry works for the county dispensary system. Commissioner Boston's son works for County Attorney Kirk Simpkins which is also his uncle. Former Judge Simpkins daughter Betsy is a judge of the orphans court. What is wrong with this picture? Wake up Somerset County, we are being ruled by one family. I thought that only happened in Saudia Arabia and communist countries but I guess I was wrong.
A little diversity would not hurt anything either. Just in case you didn't know they are all Democrats.
Jack Willing ran for States Attorney last election and was slaughtered because he ran as a republican. I beg the folks of Somerset to consider the person and not the party next election.
TO 10:42; I don't think that it is the case of loosing focus on the main problem here. The main problem is our county officials. It just manifests in many different avenues that their lack of acting to the best interests of their constituents is disgraceful. It is a "good ole boy's club" and if you belong you will be protected. Things are starting to come out about Henderson and Purnell, now, but there are probably plenty of other issues that just haven't surfaced, yet. Apparently the Purnell issue is older that the Henderson issue, but probably wouldn't have as much significance except for Henderson "resigning" from the Jail. Even though you won't be told that Antonelli made a plea deal for his resignation so that no charges would be filed. Knowing that Henderson was under criminal investigation did not stop the commisioners from rehiring him as dog catcher. The irony to that is that he supposedly got into trouble while at ECI for shooting and killing a dog. The "resignation" of Henderson left the warden job open. Again, the commisioners did what they are so good at doing, despite having supposedly made a deal involving Henry so that the county was not named, they gave Purnell the warden spot, again with litigation still ongoing. If the legal fees and settlements were coming out of their pockets, instead of us the taxpayers, then they might be a little more choicy. I know of three individuals who applied for the warden position along with Purnell and they were all three told that they came in second place for the position. Does this smell like a skunk or what? I guess what makes me the most distressed is that individuals like this can sit back and think that they can do these things because they want it and not that it is what the county deserves. This county deserves a whole new slate of officials, ones that are going to uphold the law, not twist it to their own benefits. And no, I do not wish to move to another county. The ones that sit back and condone a wrongful situation are as much at fault as the ones performing those wrongs. In some cases ignorance is bliss. There seems to be a lot of blissful individuals out there.
Isn't it absolutly amazing that not one of these public officials has made any attempt to defend themselfs. One has to believe that the reason they haven't is because what has been reported on this site is true. I didn't believe the accusations at first but now I must reconsider my first opinion about this situation. I know that if I were one of these Public Officials and I had not been a part of what has been described here, than I would come on this site and identify myself and attempt to clear my good name. All I can say at this point is, if you don't stand up for yourself and defend yourself, then you are guilty as far as I am concerned and you certainly will not be getting my vote next election.
Somerset needs change. You talk about nepotism.....how about the county roads director who was hired with absolutely no qualificaions.....he was a retired correctional officer from ECI. But he did have one important qualification....he was the county attorney's cousin and a retired Somerset County judge's nephew. There are absolutely no ethics in Somerset County's political system. You talk about so many applicants being in second place for the recent warden's position.....most of these applicants received willful and deliberate lies concerning the entire hiring process. I directly know of one such applicant with approximately 25 years of examplary experience in corrections that did meet and exceed the qualifications for the warden's position. This person stated directly that his interview took maybe ten minutes at best and that the interview panel (county commissioners and county administrator) seemed disinterested and somewhat unprofessional especially considering the level of position being interviewed for. In addition, when he questioned a certain county commissioner (his address is Hayman Drive)in reference to the hiring process he was told by that county commissioner that all of the applicants' references and work experience had been thoroughly reviewed by the county commissioners. This person found that to be a total falsehood and an outright fabrication of the truth because he knew for a fact that his references and work experience had not been verified. This county commissioner, when confronted with these facts stated that the county ommissioners just looked over the applications and that the county commissioners knew that the references and work experience for each applicant would be good. This commissioner echoed the sad quality and the apparent lack of ethics of our elected commissioners and their apparent disregard for doing the absolute best for the citizens of Somerset County. In addition, an ironic part to this is that there was not one Correctional Professional on the interview panel unless you try to count commissioner Rex Simpkins who was never promoted during his entire career in corrections and retired as a corporal (non promotional). Commissioner Simpkins never held any position in supervision or management and therefore cannot be viewed as a professional in this area. The citizens of Somerset County cannot continue to tolerate the nepotism, lack of professional ehics and the corruption that is so apparent in their county government. We do deserve much better and there is no excuse for not accepting only the vey best from our elected and appointed officils. Its past time for a change....the next election will be a true test.
Is anyone out there familiar with a recall proccess? Elections are a long way off and people have short memories when it comes to this type of thing. Is anyone knowledgable about how to request a federal investigation into all of this gigantic mess? If you have info, post it. I would be happy to make some calls requesting the feds help.
Good Lord! I think I am reading comments from a bunch of morons!! Get a life and quit your complaining. We are very fortunate to live in a place such a Somerset County. Do I like everything that goes not, NO, but unless I am willing to take a stand and run for public office, which I am NOT, than I have no right to complain. So my advice is, run for office to make a change or shut up and leave people alone. Alot of what I am reading is just pure jealously.GROW UP!!!!!
10:26, Get a life. Since you have so much time on your hands, run for office and leave the "feds" out of it. How ridiculous!!!! I see now why individuals have been ashamed to say they were from Somerset County. I don't blame them one bit after all I have read from the blogs.
I agree 1:30. I think the majority of the citizens are content with how their County is being governed. Why it is that certain ones feel the need to know ever little thing that goes on in the county. Concern would be one thing, but jealously and just plain being nosy are another. JEALOUSLY is powering this engine!!
JEALOUSY has nothing whatsoever to do with these posts, unless it is your own jealousy that you and people like you are not sure what is going on but you will soon find out. You are probably also jealous that there are those out there that have the guts to stand up for what they believe is right. This is America and our freedom comes from great individuals taking a stand against what they felt was wrong. If you want to live somewhere in corruption then sit back and take a ride,as you probably do very well. I truely feel that you are in a minority and that the majority of the people would rather see someone take a stand and fight for what is right, than to just forget it. But, yes by forgetting these things then you are as guilty as the ones who are perpetrating these wrongs and taking advantage of these situations in any way that they can.
I guess you must be getting a little scared. Hopefully, we are getting as close as we think and that as much coverup and collusion that has taken place here is about to be exposed. You and individuals like you that think that it is okay to abuse, steal, misuse power and a host of other criminal activities, will soon become accountable. After all there are laws against these things and it you make enough inquiries and notify enough agencies, then someone will listen. As to us getting a life, we have one and it is getting to the bottom of all of this and letting the world know what they are dealing with. We have run into many roadblocks in these last 18 months, but by now you should know that this has made us more zealous than ever to get the truth out.
1:30, 1:40, and 2:32 sound like the same individule to me. If you enjoy living in a state or county where corruption is a way of life than maybe you should move to New Jersey. Frankly local people here in Somerset County are basically good and honest people. No one that I know is jealous of anyone. How can anyone be jealous of the States Attorney. It's not like any average guy or gal can run for that office, you have to be a lawyer. Since 1:30 states that we the people want to know every LITTLE thing, let me briefly review. Purnell shooting and no investigation by Kristy Hickman and somekind of secret settlement. Rehire Purnell while litigation pending. This issue still in limbo and costing tax payers money. When it cost taxpayers money than we should know how and why that money is and was spent. February 2007 Henderson investigation. Henderson resigned while under criminal investigation. County rehired Henderson before investigation was even completed. After rehiring Henderson, Police report indicates Henderson was involved in several assualts at the detention center, tazered individules, maced individules, allowed inmates to work at sheriff Jones home and work for brother in law, released inmate prior to his court ordered release date. I don't consider any of the above as minor and I believe we the voters and taxpayers have a right to know everything. There is no reason for secrecy in government. That is why we have the freedom of information act. If any of you are happy with your tax dollars going to pay for lawsuits that is your choice. I, and I believe most would rather not see our tax dollars spent that way. It's just amazing how people will defend obvious wrongdoing in order to protect a political crony. Remember that a lot of democrats said that what lewinsky did to Clinton was not sex. Really, you could have fooled me.
I'm extreamly jealous. I got a seatbelt violation and it cost me $25.00 bucks. Henderson can commit high crimes and not even get a slap on the wrist.
This is not about jealousy. Its about what is right for the citizens of Somerset County. Calling people morons because they uncover problems in their own government and demand accountability only demonstrates the pure ignorance and arrogance of some people. We, as citizens and taxpayers, desrve full accountability from our elected and appointed county officials. By accepting anything else will lead to the exact problems that we are now facing. We have an obligation and duty as citizens and taxpayers to demand the best and expect nothing but the best at all times. Its quite obvious that there are serious ethical, hiring and possible corruption problems in this county. And yes, if it takes the feds or some other entity to step in and bring this to closure so be it. Its the willful silence and disregard to the demands of the citizens and taxpayers that is generating this situation. Why have the county commisssioners and county administrator remained so silent on these issues?? This very situation is the result of a government who refuses to be accountable to the very citizens that it is suppose to serve. Yes, it is time for a change at the next election because of the obvious failures of the current county commissioners and county administrator in not addressing the concerns of the citizens.
I have worked for Mr. Henderson and he was a great boss. I have worked in the system for 25+ years and unless you work in it day after day out you have no idea of what really goes on. He was fair and considerate of his employees and "others". I personally think he was an escape goat and got shafted. If anyone should be upset it should be him for being drug through the mud. He was the fall guy!!!!
Hey 8:42, you seem to know so much I hope you run for election. Maybe then we can just let the county go to *&*&^ in a hand basket. And no I am neither 1:30, 1:40 or 2:32. And individule is spelled individual. Oh boy we are dealing with a scholar here.....
Anon 745, Wasn't LoganWiddowson the State Attorney in 2003 when the Purnell thing happened? Why would Hickman have the ability to start an investigation?
8:42 you are obviously an educated and knowledgeable person. You may just want to consider running for a position next election. Please just disregard 8:59 because they certainly have their own agenda.
Hey 8:52, you worked for Henderson and you have 25+ with County. Why don't you enlighten us. You were probably one of his henchmen if you are defending him. If he is the fall guy, who is he taking a fall for? I don't think all of his former employees would agree with you. In police interviews the assistant warden stated that she was concerned for her and her families safety if she cooperated with the investigators. Who was she afraid of if not Henderson? Other CO's said Henderson had anger issues. He is definately not a man that should be on our county payroll.
James L. Henderson is another lawsuit just waiting to happen.
"James L. Henderson is another lawsuit just waiting to happen."
no he's not-he is an "escape goat", silly.(sorry could not resist)
Hey 8:52 If you worked with Henderson and have 25 yrs in the system, then you of all people should know what is going on here. I am up and down this county every day and to date have not encountered one person who Henderson has worked with, that is willing to defend him. Refer back to the Daily Times blogs from before and there are articles like "I worked with him at Jessops and he has the right position, because he treated the inmates like dogs". There were also many other negative comments about his abuse while he worked at ECI. Suit was filed against him and he resigned and then applied for the wardens spot at Westover. I have talked with other CO,s who dreaded working with him, because they feared that they would get hurt in retaliation for his wrong doings. He is just an explosion waiting to happen. The inmate that first brought attention to this situaion has had officer's from ECI come up to him and stated that they personally wanted to shake the hand of the one who had exposed James Henderson. So I guess that maybe there are one or two who are his cronies. There is an old saying that bird's of a feather flock together, so maybe you have the same problems, but watch out - in the report it indicates that Hendersom stated that if he went down, he wasn't going alone. I think that I would be careful who I aligned myself with, he might be planning on taking you down with him. Maybe he was planning on inviting you to the big pizza party that he was planning on throwing when he was reinstated as Warden. Hope that you didn't get too hungry.
anon 10:30 Logan might have been the SA in 2003, but he was on sick leave and Ms Hickman was covering for him.
Anon 8:59 Sounds like the teacher in you coming out. Everyone knows how to spell individual. Sometimes mistakes happen while taping. We are blogging here, not sitting for an English exam. By the way, you don't start a sentence with a conjunction, so maybe you are not the scholar that you seem to think, either.
Anon 1:30 1:40 and 2:42, I hear the dogs barking
To 8:59,
I guess you're not a scholar either. It was 7:45 and not 8:42 that mispelled the word you referenced. How could such a well educated person as you claim to be make such an error.....oh well, thats politics as usual in Somerset County and thanks for proving it to us once again!!
Joe, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to express ourselves, be it right or wrong. Things are getting so lively on this old post, that it might prove interesting to bring it current again, so that more people can stay abreast of where this is going. I'm sure that some hope that it stays buried, but some feathers are getting ruffled now and some worms are squirming. Hooray!!!
Joe, I apologize. Again, you are quicker than the rest of us and have already brought this current. I missed it in my haste to review the other comments.
Obviously you do not know what a conjunction is. The writer was referring to beginning a sentance with "and".
Very interesting posts. Has any other post ever generated as many responses?
Anon 2:41 I do know what a conjunction is. AND is a coordinating conjunction used to link together two nouns. When I went to school, you never started a sentence with And. Sentence is also spelled with an e instead of an a., but we are getting off track here. Brilliance is not the issue, abuse and corruption is.
With all this publicity Spike's is probably going to be busy tonight.
Hopefully the MSP will be crusing between spikes & revells neck rd.
Every Somerset County citizen who reads this blog should call their elected county commissioner and the county administrator and ask direct questions concerning the shooting of Henry and the hiring of Purnell. I guarantee that they will receive no satisfactory answers and that our elected and appointed officials will hide behind the shield that all of this is a private personnel matter. Thats one thing in Somerset County that our elected and appoined leaders do well....hide from the truth and keep their taxpaying citizens uninformed. We should also be asking about the apparent nepotism especially with a county attorney who is directly related to two of the five county commissioners. How can he ethically render an opinion concerning any county issue involving these two commissioners? Our county commissioners and county administrator need to correct these problems immediately and do what is right for the citizens of this county. Please keep in mind that Purnell is still in litigation concerning the shooting of an unarmed man (Henry) in the back and that he still does not possess the reqired experience as was fully noted in the job description for warden when this position was advertised. Why do the citizens of this county have to tolerate the hiring and retention of a nonqualified individual that poses a very serious liability problem for the county and why should we tolerate our elected and appointed officials for wasting our hard earned taxpayer dollars on such a problem when this problem could have eaasily been alleviated by the hiring of a quality experienced individual that did not have ongoing liability isues? Its time for our elected and appointed leaders to step up to the plate and be accountable to the very citizens that they are required to serve. After all, its our hard earned tax dollars at stake here.....we must demand the very best and not accept anything else.
Its not about the citizens in Somerset being satified with their current government, county commissioners and county administrator. They will appear to be satisfied because they have no knowlegde on what is being done and what is going on. The current government in Someset County does not allow the free flow of information and stonewalls attempts to gather information at every turn. This is a control mechanism to ensure that their "good ole boy" status is not challenged. Its been pretty effective so far based on their nepotism and overall hiring practices. This government's lack of ehics is an insult to every man, woman and child in Somerset County. It is definently time for a change......we deserve better.
I have been reading these comments for some time now, and it is time for me to put my two cents in. When Mr. Purnell was first hired as the warden of SCDC, I expressed my displeasure, and the county administrator, Mr. Powell, said it was sour grapes. Call it what you will, but myself and two others that I know of had a combined 81 years experience in corrections, about 30 of those years in supervision or administration. Along comes Mr. Purnell (nephew of a local politician) who had zero years experience in corrections (not to be confused with the minimum two years experience required to apply) and he is appointed to the position. What do you think? Good ole boy? If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then it's a duck. Call it sour grapes if you want. I call it misrepresentation and wasteful spending of my tax dollars.
Any Henderson supporters want to comment on the Daily Times article today.
Question now remains why prosecuters did not bring charges in this case. It's unbelievable Davis Ruark was quoted as saying that he just saw the police report a couple of weeks ago. How in God's name can he close a case without ever reading the results of the investigation. Please someone explaine!
even looks like it's starting to show the real Princess Anne also. Sounds like they are heavily involved also but may only be the "tip of the Princess Anne iceberg"
Joe,
I kind of wondering whats happening wih this mater. It seems that after the 8/6/08 DT article the interest has apparently disappeared. The Purnell issue is still undecided in Federal Court and apparently there is no one left in Somerset County that wants a decent and accoutable governmennt. I can't beleive that those folks would be content and settle for a substandard warden who may bring even more liability problems to the table than what Henderson did. Do they really don't mind having their tax dollars wasted by a group of commisssioners who are supposed to be looking out for them by hiring qualified personnel with no liability baggage? Come on Somerset, wake up and expect and demand the best. You may be interested in the fact that the statute of limitations for a Federal Civil Rights violation lawsuit is five years and trust me the folks in Somerset better believe that there are ex-inmates and attorneys out there as we speak contemplating this very issue. Somerset, this is the tip of the iceberg and you may even have more problems on the way with Purnell. What do you think Joe?????
Did anybody notice the warden's car in the paper,it's a Sheriff K9 car? Is he a Deputy or Warden? Is he paid by both? It's clear the county must pay for his car and dog. Also Ex Warden Henderson was rehired as the director of dog control, given a car and a good salary I bet...good ole boy roots must run deep in Somerset County.
The feds have been contacted about this situation. The Bureau of Justice handles this type of crime. I have an address if anyone else would like to file a complaint.
These commissioners are spending money like a drunken sailor. 1,000,000 for a park that locals do not want. 2,000,000 for A/C & heat in the county office complex. Several hundred thousand for communications and who knows how much on lawsuits. All this while property taxes continue to rise out of control. Lord help the people.
Anon 5:48 The county Administrator was contacted under Freedom of Information Act and Henderson's salary was reported at $28,600, even thought the county posted position was for $25,000. The interesting part is that Henderson has told other individuals that he is getting the same money that he did at the jail. Bet the difference is hidden in some loophole within the county budget. It will be interesting to see where the budget takes it this year.
I'm a bit confused here. What about the current warden and his federal lawsuit, lack of required qualifications and his somewhat confusing role in Somerset County concerning his position and the Sheriff's Department? Has everybody decided that his shooting of an unarmed man in the back is not important plus the fact that he is still federal litigation concerning this matter. Purnell is a bigger liability than Henderson. By the way, don't forget that there is a five year statute of limitations on civil rights lawsuits....Somerset may be in litigation for a very long time at the taxpayers expense. Do the county commissioners and the county administrator undersatnd the definition of liability and the ramifications of same....or don't they care because their "good ole boy" form of government must be protected at all costs even at the taxpayers' expense. We need answers and change now before more of the taxpayers' hard earned tax dollars are wasted....WAKE UP SOMERSET.
The commissioners obviously still have plenty of $$'s to waste. I see in todays paper, they are contemplating buying a marina in Deal Island, which would in turn be leased out at below market rates. Wouldn't suprise me if Purnell or Henderson was given the position of Marina Manager, they both have management experience you know. Hold on to your wallets, taxes are going up again next year.
The whole marina sale in Deal Island was bound to fall thru-what with the real estate slump.The county and the landowners should try to reach some kind of agreement that will benefit the local working watermen who are already paying high fuel prices and cannot absorb high marina costs.
I can't beleive what I'm reading. For some odd reason the folks in Somerest County are discussing a marina in Wenona instead of staying the course with the Purnell issue. I think I now fully understand how such a flawed and corrupt "good ole boys" form of government in Somerset County can continue to survive.....the citizens and taxpayers must all have ADD and can't stay concentrated on the current subject and issue long enough to even start discussing and demanding accountability and change. We so richly deserve this substandard and corrupt government in Somerset County....SHAME ON US!!
I thought the point was to get rid of all the elected and appointed officials. If they continue to make bad decisions, than it should be exposed. Lets just review. Seems what voters are requesting is get rid of Purnell and Henderson. Don't get involved with the Deal Island marina, it's bound to cost tax payers money. If there is money to be made in this venture a business man would be involved for profit. When ever a government gets involved you can bet your life it is a loseing proposition. The Jenkins bridge project in Crisfield is nearing completion. I understand it was bid out for about $800,000 and is going to cost the county over $1,000,000 when it is complete. The tax payers cannot stand buy and let this waste continue. Make your thoughts known about how this county is being run.
Frankly the Purnell issue is not what has everybody in an uproar. It's important but not many are commenting about it. After all, how much more can be said about it? If you have more facts about the case I'm sure we would all like to hear them. I would love to hear more but as far as I know it's a pending case and we probable will not hear much until it goes to court. What else can we do? I'm all ears.
Its easy 10:02....get on the phone and call your county commissioner and ask him why Purnell is still in the position of warden when he never had the required qualifications and the fact that his prior actions definently make him a very seriuos liability for the county. You should note that Purnell had never worked in an adult correctional facility (and captured POW's don't count)before he became warden (zero experience). Also, ask him how he could vote to appoint a person who was still in federal litigation over such a serious issue as shooting an unarmed man in the back. I bet you anything that he won't give you an answer because he will hide behind the "its a personnel matter" shield. Every citizen in Somerset County should demand answers and accountability from their county commissioners concerning such appointments.
Hey Joe,
Has this Somerset County issue gone away or has there been any response from the government elite? By the way, I beleive it was in 8/13/08 DT (I could be wrong about the date) that the new warden, Purnell, didn't pass his first state audit. He apparently failed some key control issues (security) as well as very important inmate safety requirements and that's after he has been there for a year. His total lack of experience in corrections is going to be another burden for the citizens especially since he has already proven himself to be a seroius liability for the county by shooting an unarmed man in the back as a deputy (Federal litigation still ongoing). I guess things will never change in Somerset County.....we deserve better.
Okay it's wonderful that everybody in somerset forgets darling little Crisfield. This whole county is corrupt. Mayor PJ hired his wife's cousin to be Police Chief. He is almost never at work and the whole department is a wreck. So it doesn't surprise me that he had a hand in doing dirty with his nephew. Matter of fact if you try to stand up to PJ he will go after you. Obviously Christy is a joke, letting her pals off the way she does and giving slaps on the wrists for serious offense while we tax paying citizens get stupid tickets for going 9 miles over the speed limit purnell gets to shoot someone. NICE. I tried to get answers.
I am the person you dummies are talking about on this damn James Henderson court case. Let me get one fing thing straight with you a$$es!!! I don't live in Westover I don't even live in Somerset County. And for all you idiots who say that I made allegations against this cracker are staight up stupid!! For one the charges I brought up against him are more than justifiable against that dummy James Henderson. I was not the only person who brought up allegations against him. If you didn't know the dummy then stop bitching about people mainly my-self accusing his cracker self of assault and other sh$t!! I even had other employees from SCDC that witnessed what he did to me. I was the one who was charged with 2nd degree assault on a DOC employee. So, what everyones crying about his resignation!! He deserved everything he got and will continue to get!! You reap what you sow!!! Any questions I am more than willing to discuss this in further detail with you!!!! Peace out you dumb idiots!!
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