The union that represents Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies announced a vote of no confidence in Sheriff Maxwell Uy, saying nearly 80% percent of deputies and staff had lost trust in his leadership.
“The deputies and staff who put their life on line every day have spoken with one voice: they have absolutely no confidence in Sheriff Max Uy,” said Gino Renne, president of UFCW Local 1994, at a news conference.
Union officials, joined by FOP leaders from across Maryland, claimed Uy has mismanaged the office, fueling a workplace crisis and resignations.
Uy has been with the office for more than 30 years but is in his first term as sheriff.
“Sheriff Uy has taken what was once a once respected law enforcement agency and run it off the road,” Renne said
Union leaders say more than 30 deputies and professional staff have left the department under Uy’s tenure. They claim a toxic work environment and deputies have faced retaliation.
The union endorsed Uy for his first run for sheriff in 2022, but this time, they’re endorsing his primary opponent, Will Milam, who retired from the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office.
“I’m troubled and certainly concerned by the allegations that were made today by leadership,” Uy said. “I will tell you I do not agree with them. I think they’re mischaracterized, and quite frankly they’re misleading.”
In an interview with News4, Uy said he said he’s working to improve communication in the department and that the staff departures mirror what’s been happening at other law enforcement agencies.
“We do not have toxic leaders here — we have amazing teams in our non-sworn and our sworn deputies throughout the ranks, and a lot of this is a distraction,” he said.
Milam said in a statement, “This information confirms what we already know: the Sheriff’s Office is broken and in desperate need of new leadership and a vision for the future.”
At the news conference, the union called for Uy to retire.
When asked if he has plans to drop out, he said he is “definitely sticking with it”
The primary is in June.
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