Unethical. Unprofessional. Unacceptable.
Sergeant Penman Attacked a Citizen—and Sheriff Gahler Shared It
Aaron Penman was removed from the Harford County Council by a judge. He was told he couldn’t serve in law enforcement and public office at the same time.
So he chose to remain a sergeant in Sheriff Jeff Gahler’s office—and he’s been using that position to publicly attack political opponents and private citizens ever since.
But now it’s gone even further:
The political attack video Penman released on July 3rd wasn’t just shared on his personal page.
It was shared by Sheriff Jeff Gahler himself.
That’s not passive approval.
That’s active participation in political retaliation.
This Isn’t Just a Bad Look—It’s a Breach of the Law
The following violations are real. They were reviewed by an attorney. And they apply to both Penman and now, potentially, Sheriff Gahler:
🔹 Maryland Public Ethics Law GP § 5-506
Prohibits using the prestige of office for personal or political gain.
Penman used his law enforcement title to attack a citizen politically—and Gahler shared the message, leveraging the Sheriff’s Office’s credibility in the process.
🔹 GP § 5-501
Requires public officials to act impartially and avoid conduct that erodes public trust.
Shaming a citizen over their legal past, on an official or semi-official channel, while knowing they support a political opponent—is coercive and unethical.
🔹 GP § 5-505
Bars public officials from acting in matters where they have a personal interest.
Penman’s and Gahler’s ongoing campaign against pro-Cassilly voices is clearly political. It serves their own agenda, not the public.
🔹 Harford County Sheriff's Office Code of Ethics
Demands respect, professionalism, and impartial service to all residents.
Instead, a citizen was attacked. Then blocked from responding. Then publicly humiliated.
That’s not law enforcement. That’s abuse of power.
When the Sheriff Shares the Smear, It's a Department Problem
It’s no longer just a rogue sergeant.
When the sheriff shares the attack himself, it sends one message:
“We back this. We support this. We’re part of this.”
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has now put its name behind a political attack on a private citizen.
That crosses every line—ethically, professionally, and possibly legally.
This Isn’t Just About One Person
This should chill every citizen in Harford County.
If you post a comment.
If you back the wrong candidate.
If you disagree with those in power—
You could be next.
You could be targeted.
You could be smeared by your own sheriff.
We’re Done Being Silent.
📢 We demand an immediate investigation by the Harford County Ethics Board.
📢 We demand a public explanation from Sheriff Gahler.
📢 We demand to know why political retaliation is being weaponized by the very people sworn to protect us all.
Take Action Now:
📞 Harford County Ethics Board
🌐 harfordcountymd.gov
📞 410-638-3000
📣 Share this message. Loudly.
We won’t be silenced.
We won’t be intimidated.
We will speak for those who are being targeted.