Dispute Arises Regarding Council Notification of Wicomico 287G Agreement
Wicomico County, MD - A conflicting narrative has emerged between the Wicomico County Executive's office and the Wicomico County Council regarding the recent signing of a 287(g) agreement.
Following the signing, leadership within the County Council indicated to local media outlets that they were unaware of the specific agreement and that a consensus to proceed had not been reached.
However, a review of public records and statements from the Executive's administration outlines a timeline of communication suggesting prior notification was provided.
Council Leadership Statements
Following the signing, Wicomico Council President John Cannon and Council Vice President Jeff Merritt provided statements to WBOC and reporter Kyle Orens. They indicated that they had not reviewed the 287(g) agreement in its current form.
It should be noted that this 287 (g) agreement is the same as the one they were presented on November 4, 2025, at the Council Meeting, with no changes.
Administration Documentation of Notice
During a press conference held on Friday, January 23, 2026, County Executive Julie Giordano addressed the Council's knowledge of the agreement. The Executive stated that the Wicomico County Council was informed of the intention to sign the agreement through documented communications and direct outreach.
According to the administration, Steve Lakin, Assistant Director of Administration, met personally with the Council President regarding the matter.
Additionally, email communications were transmitted to members of the County Council.
These communications reportedly advised members that the County Executive intended to sign the 287(g) agreement and that she would be testifying in Annapolis on Senate Bill 245.
The emails also provided notice that a press conference would be held regarding the signing, to which County Council members were invited but did not attend.
Sheriff's Statement on Council Support
Further details were provided by Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis during the January 23, 2026 press conference. Sheriff Lewis stated on the record that he had engaged in a personal conversation with the Council President prior to the signing.
According to Sheriff Lewis, the Council President offered reassurance during this discussion that the support of a majority of the County Council had been secured to move forward with the 287(g) agreement.
Comparison of Agreement Versions
The administration has clarified that the agreement executed by the County Executive is identical to the document presented to the County Council at the meeting on November 4, 2025.
Statements asserting that the agreement had not been seen by the Council President are contradicted by the record of the November meeting. The Executive's office noted that no communication was received indicating that the Council's position had changed following the initial presentation.
Absent such communication, and given that the text of the agreement remained unchanged, the administration proceeded on the basis that the Council's position had not shifted.
The agreement is an open ended contract. During the November 4 meeting the County Council and their attorney never gave a clear and concise answer if the council needed to vote on this contract.
Since no exact determination was made, even with a follow up from the county attorney to the council attorney, the executive decided to sign the agreement, but will go in front of council if the agreement surpasses a year.
Public Record Availability
The proceedings in question are available for public verification. Both the November 4, 2025, County Council meeting and the January 23, 2026, press conference were recorded.
Footage of these events is publicly accessible and available for review on YouTube from the folks at Pac-14.
Eastern Shore Undercover initially intended on obtaining FOIA requests however last week, we attempted to obtain a FOIA on communication involving the Wicomico County Council and they quoted us with a price as high as $850 in addition to another $100 - $135 for copies of the documents.
Therefore, we decided against requesting FOIA requests until we hear back from our legal team and from the Attorney General's Office in reference to what is "reasonable". For the time being, we will not be obtaining FOIA requests from the Wicomico County Council.
Why Cause The Discontent?
If the Council majority is in favor of this, then why cause any sort of discontent with a news media outlet? Why lie and say that you've never seen the agreement or that there wasn't a consensus when both things can be disproven quite easily?
Either the Council President and Vice President lied to the media or they lied to the Assistant Director of Administration Steve Lakin and Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis.
Keep in mind folks, election season is upon us!!!
