Frederick Prosecutor Dismisses Harassment Charges Against House Minority Leader

Criminal harassment charges filed against House Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) were dropped Wednesday by Frederick County prosecutors.

Buckel said during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon that the dismissal demonstrates that the charges levied against him by a Maryland State Police trooper “lack[ed] merit” and were “improper.”

“This was an improper filing and, immediately, I took it to the appropriate channels,” he said. “It was agreed that all of this should’ve been dismissed and it was dismissed.”

The charges are no longer listed on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search site.

Last week, the trooper filed an application for a statement of charges in Allegany County District Court against Buckel, alleging the lawmaker had sent him over three dozen messages via Facebook Messenger, many that were threatening in nature.

The court records indicated the trooper had a relationship with Buckel’s estranged wife.

The case was transferred from the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office to the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office to avoid any conflict of interest.

Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith III (R) couldn’t be immediately reached for comment Wednesday.

The harassment charges against Buckel caused a stir among House Republicans.

Del. Christopher T. Adams (D-Eastern Shore) resigned from his position as House minority whip Monday, saying he had reservations about whether Buckel was fit to serve as the minority leader.

“Everything we do as the Republican caucus is defending citizens against government overreach, you know, issues with public safety — these are not easy issues to consider and also create a caucus-wide position. …We have to be fully focused,” Adams said during a phone interview Tuesday morning. “…I can’t reconcile what I’m seeing in the news with the degree of responsibility that comes from being, you know, leader.”

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