Ex-Officer In Charles To Seek Sheriff's Seat

Candidate Accuses Coffey Of 'Political Patronage'

A former Charles County Sheriff's Office captain announced last week that he will seek the Democratic nomination for sheriff next year, saying that Sheriff Rex Coffey's administration is full of "political patronage, administrative ineptitude and wasteful spending."

In a news release, Dave Williams, 50, described two sheriff's office employees -- Maj. Joseph "Buddy" Gibson and Capt. Michael Rackey -- as examples of "unqualified friends and political funders" whom Coffey (D) favored over "competent, ethical and dedicated employees."

Williams, who retired as commander of the criminal investigations division in 2005, before Coffey took office, said that neither man had achieved a rank higher than corporal before being promoted to command positions and that they now "cost the tax payers approximately a quarter of a million dollars per year."

"They're just brought in and given these guns and these badges and these salaries, and I got a problem with that," Williams said. "You don't give someone the keys to the airplane if they don't know how to fly it."

Coffey, 56, said the fact that both men had contributed to his campaign in the past had nothing to do with their hiring. According to online records, Rackey donated $300; Gibson gave $1,000 through his business, Southern Police Supply; and Gibson's family members donated more than $8,000.

Coffey said that Gibson is a former Fraternal Order of Police president and runs a law enforcement supply business, which gives him skills to handle finance and personnel matters in his role as the assistant sheriff for administration. Rackey has helped transform training operations at the sheriff's office, Coffey said.

Gibson's annual salary is $113,763, and Rackey is paid $97,636, the sheriff said.

Williams's comments and the announcement of his candidacy likely signal a hard-fought campaign ahead that will open old wounds.

Williams is running as a Democrat, although he has previously been registered as a Republican and an Independent. He said he thinks the Democratic primary is "where the election will probably be won or lost."

Williams, who runs a videography business, supported Sheriff Fred Davis (R), who was unseated by Coffey in 2006. Gibson publicly feuded with Davis, filing a lawsuit against him in 2000. The suit charged that the sheriff's office improperly blocked Gibson's chance at a promotion because he was president of the Fraternal Order of Police, which had supported Coffey. Gibson dropped the lawsuit as part of an agreement to resign in good standing from Davis's administration.

Gibson was also the target of an internal investigation regarding alleged policy violations under the Davis administration. Gibson filed a complaint against Davis, saying that Davis had driven his agency-owned vehicle after drinking a beer. Davis later acknowledged the incident and apologized.

In an e-mail Tuesday, Gibson said:

"Under the leadership of Sheriff Coffey, we have saved the taxpayers millions of dollars, increased productivity and have been gracious stewards of the citizen's trust," he said. "Give Mr. Williams his day in the sun. There is plenty of time to address his propaganda in the future."

Rackey offered a similar response: "I supported Sheriff Coffey because he's a great man who treats people fairly. He has a passion for police work that is unparalleled. He can make the lowliest person feel like a million bucks."

In announcing his candidacy, Williams said he would appoint Brian Eley, director of administrative services in the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, as assistant sheriff. He said he would fill other command positions "entirely from the current officers."

Before retiring from the sheriff's office, Williams served as a patrol officer, narcotics detective and internal affairs commander. He lives in La Plata with his wife and three children.