Sergeant Rita Trotter was charged with multiple violations of the department’s standing orders, including failing to report an overpayment of $1,837 in a timely manner and discussing an internal investigation despite a confidentiality order. The administrative hearing board found her guilty on several charges and recommended a seven-day suspension and a $1,000 fine. The police chief, however, demoted her to corporal and prohibited her from applying for a promotion for two years. Upon judicial review, the circuit court reversed the board’s decision, concluding that the findings were not supported by substantial evidence. The appellate court affirmed this reversal, highlighting issues with the department’s confidentiality order and the handling of the overpayment.
Rita Trotter – Rockville Police Department
Written by CBKN76