The Sargeant Report: List of Materials Reviewed During the Investigation of Allegations by County Chief of Capital Services John Stevens

For background, visit the Sargeant Report Homepage

(note: this list is presented verbatim as it appeared in the original report. Documents released by the County Attorney’s office in response to TLR’s Public Information Act request are bolded. Italicized parenthetical comments are added by TLR)

Appendix A to the Report of Investigation of Allegations by County Administrator Mark Belton and Commissioner Thomasina Coates1

  1. Email Correspondence relating to the hiring of Robert Rawlings:2 (‌all withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
    • 7/1/2015 email exchange between Arthur Swann and S. Marsh (Senior VP GMB, L.L.C.) with subject line: “Re: Follow up on inspection”
    • 7/1/2105 email from Doremus Jenkins to J. Stevens and A. Swann with subject line: “2013 Contract Inspector Ad” and attaching “Independent Contract Inspector 920-13.docx”
    • 7/1 – 7/7/2015 email chain between S. Marsh (GMB) and Michael Snyder with subject line: “Emailing: Robert Rawlings Contract Paperwork.pdf”
    • 7/10 – 7/13/2015 email chain between S. Marsh and M. Snyder (cc: A. Swann) with subject line: “follow up”
    • 7/15/2015 email exchanges among D. Jenkins, A. Swann and J. Stevens with subject lines: “Independent Contract Inspector” and “Capital Services’ Part Time Contract Inspector_7-15-15 Ad.dox with attachments: “Independent Contractor Inspector_8 28 15.dox” and “Independent Contract Inspector: Cap Serv. Contract Inspector_8-28-15 Doremus2.dox”
    • 7/16/2015 exchange between A. Swann and Rachel O’Shea with subject line: “GMB Contacts”
    • 7/16/15 email from D. Jenkins to A. Swann and J. Stevens with subject line: “Addt’l. Info for Part Time Contract Inspector for Capital Services Ad” and attaching “Re: Part Time Contract Inspector for Capital Services; Construction Inspector Ad on Web_1-11-13.dox; Instrumentation Technician Utilities 11-1-13.dox”
    • 7/20/15 email from D. Jenkins to J. Stevens, cc to A. Swann with subject line: “Fwd: Independent Contract Inspector” and attaching: “Independent Contract Inspector” • 7/16 – 7/23/15 email chain among D. Jenkins, Peter Aluotto and Linda Walter with cc’s to J. Stevens and A. Swann with subject line: “Part Time Contract Inspector for Capital Services” and attaching: “Cap Serv Contract Inspector Accepted changes 2nd Final _8-28-15.docx”
    • Independent Contractor Inspector Position Announcement and Description with closing date 8/28/15 • 7/10 – 7/13 and 7/27/2015 email exchange between S. Marsh (GMB) and M. Snyder with cc to A. Swann with subject line: “follow up” and attachments: “White Plain NPDES Inspection Services Proposal.pdf”
    • July 27, 2015 letter from S. Marsh (GMB) addressed to Charles County, Department of Planning & Growth Management, Capital Services Division Attn: M. Snyder and Re: “NYDES Design Task Order Services Proposal – Inspection Services – White Plains NPDES • 7/27 and 7/30/2015 email correspondence between S. Marsh (GMB) and M. Snyder with one cc to A. Swann and subject line: “follow up” and “follow up – start date for inspection services”
    • 8/5/2015 email exchange between S. Marsh (GMB) and M. Snyder with subject line: “Robert Rawlings start” with ce to “Bobby”
  2. Document headed “Timeline” with entries based on email and other correspondence dates from July 16, 2015 through August 31, 2015 including sender, recipient and “Notes” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  3. November 18. 2015 Memo to J. Stevens from Peter Aluotto subject: “Notice of Intended Disciplinary Action – Suspension and Disciplinary Probation (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  4. November 23, 2015 Memorandum from J. Stevens to Peter Aluotto, subject: “Notice of Intended Disciplinary Action” including copies of: Task Order related correspondence on Charles County Department of Planning & Growth Management letterhead signed by Art Swann as Program Manager between April 2015 and October 2015 (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  5. November 25, 2015 Memorandum to P. Aluotto from J. Stevens subject: Notice of Intended Disciplinary Action dated November 18, 2015 (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  6. Copy of November 18, 2015 Memorandum Notice of Intended Discipline from P. Aluotto to J. Stevens bearing handwritten markings and comments (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  7. Handwritten notes of meeting involving J. Stevens, P. Aluotto, M. Donnick and Paul Rested dated 12/3/15 (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  8. Typewritten notes of investigative interview of Rebekah Younan (former intern Capital Services Division) dated 12/16/15 (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  9. December 17, 2015 email from J. Stevens to then County Administrator M. Malinoff and County Commissioners with subject line: “Chief Capital Services Division Appeal to County Administrator and Board of Commissioners” and email forwarding same from M. Malinoff to P. Rensted (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  10. January 15, 2016 email exchange between J. Stevens and P. Rested with subject line: “Appeal of Disciplinary Action” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  11. Outline for evidentiary hearing of J. Stevens’ appeal of discipline proposed by P. Aluotto (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  12. Typewritten notes headed “Procedure for Formal Grievance Hearing” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  13. Typewritten notes headed “Additional Notes” (prepared by M. Donnick) (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  14. March 17, 2016 email from P. Rested to M. Donnick with subject line: “Grievance Hearing” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  15. March 24, 2016 Memorandum and Decision of Formal Grievance Review Board regarding John Stevens’ Grievance of discipline proposed by P. Aluotto (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  16. John Stevens’ Self-Evaluation dated March 3, 2017 (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  17. John Stevens’ Self-Evaluation dated April 3, 2018 (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  18. 2016 – 2017 Performance Appraisal for John Stevens unsigned (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  19. Performance Appraisal for John Stevens covering April 2017 to April 2018 version signed on June 7, 2019 (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  20. April 20, 2018 email from J. Stevens to P. Rested with cc to M. Donnick and subject line: “Complaint” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  21. Undated typewritten notes headed “Response to John Stevens” written by B. Shreve (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  22. May 9, 2018 John Stevens’ protest and complaint related to his 2017 – 2018 Performance Appraisal (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  23. Supplemented, revised and annotated version of J. Stevens’ May 9, 2018 protest and complaint including excerpts from B. Shreve; working document memorializing exchange of comments between Stevens and Shreve facilitated by M. Donnick (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  24. Revised 2018 Performance Appraisal for John Stevens unsigned with differing Section C Comments (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  25. Copy of original comments page from J. Stevens 2017 – 2018 Performance Appraisal with handwritten notation of disagreement by J. Stevens (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  26. November 20, 2018 email from M. Donnick to J. Stevens cc’s to P. Rested and B. Shreve with subject line: “Revised Evaluation” attaching same (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  27. January 9, 2019 email from J. Stevens to Commissioners Stewart, Rucci, Coates, Collins and Bowling with subject line: “Thank You” and January 10, 2019 reply from T. Coates
  28. January 10, 2019 email from J. Stevens to G. Boykin and B. Shreve with cc’s to R. Collins and D. Mitchell with subject line: “Interim Re-assignments“
  29. February 8 – February 10, 2019 email exchange between J. Stevens and M. Belton with cc’s to R. Collins and T. Coates with subject line: “Continual Involvement with C-Wing Related Items/Issues” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  30. February 7 and February 14 – February 15, 2019 email chain from J. Stevens forwarding January 10, 2019 email (above) subject line: “Fwd: “Interim Re-assignments” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  31. February 28, 2019 email correspondence with subject line: “Summary of Meeting about Lifestyles Homeless Shelter” initiated by email from C. Pompa to S. Kaii-Ziegler forwarded by Kail-Ziegler to M. Belton, D. Hall, cc: J. Harris and forwarded by M. Belton to all Commissioners with cc’s to D. Hall, J. Harris and J. Stevens (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  32. Exit Interview form completed for Greg Boykin (separation date April 10, 2019) (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  33. April – June 2019 email exchanges with subject line: “Teddy Washington – Holly Street” initiated by April 9, 2019 email from Danielle Mitchell to T. Coates subsequently forwarded to J. Stevens by D. Mitchell followed by email exchanges between J. Stevens and M. Belton (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  34. June 5 – 6, 2019 email exchange between J. Stevens and M. Donnick with cc to M. Belton and T. Coates with subject line: “Performance Evaluation” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  35. June 21, 2019 – June 24, 2019 email exchanges between M. Belton and J. Stevens with subject line: “Communication Regarding Issues Discussed with Elected Board Members” (with some emails cc to R. Collins and C. Hunt) (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters and Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  36. May 8, 2020 email from Deborah Carpenter to M. Belton with subject line: “Holly Street meeting” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  37. June 20 – June 21, 2019 email exchange between J. Stevens and David Saunders (Charles County Sheriff’s Office) with subject line “Future St. Charles Sub-Station” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  38. August 23, 2019 Calendar Appointment from Erica Rizor to various recipients including J. Stevens, D. Hall, Jacob Dyer subject: “Sheriff’s Office Requests CONFIRMED” setting meeting date September 18, 2019
  39. June 21, 2019 email from M. Belton to County Government Directors and Chiefs with subject line: “A Couple of Communication Protocol Matters“
  40. February 5 – February 6, 2020 email exchange between J. Stevens and M. Belton with subject line: “Reorg” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  41. January 28, 2020 email from M. Donnick to M. Belton with cc’s to D. Hall, A. Blackwell and B. Shreve with subject line: “DPW/Capital Services” and forwarding January 10, 2019 email from J. Stevens with subject line: “Interim Re-assignments” (above) (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  42. February 10, 2020 email from Jacob Dyer to various County managers (Directors and Chiefs) with subject line: “UPDATED FY2021 budget calendars: New Public Hearing Date April 29th“
  43. February 26, 2020 email from J. Stevens to A. Blackwell with subject line: “Notification of Complaints” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  44. February 28, 2020 email from M. Belton to Board of Commissioners (R. Collins, B. Rucci, T. Coates, A. Stewart, and G. Bowling) with cc’s to C. Hunt, A. Blackwell, Megan Donnick, D. Hall, Bill Shreve and J. Stevens with subject line: “Status of Partial Reorganization Within DPW” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  45. April 1, 2019 email correspondence initiated by Elizabeth Theobalds with responses from J. Stevens to M. Belton, D. Mitchell, R. Collins and E. Theobalds with subject line: “DC1900270 – Charles County Solar Leases – Wire to PJM” and ending with April 4, 2019 email from M. Belton to J. Stevens omitting other recipients (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  46. February 8, 2018 project map for Pisgah Solar Project and September 6, 2018 Ground Lease (Pisgah Landfill) between County Commissioners of Charles County, MD as Landlord and Energy Ventures IPP, LLC, as Tenant
  47. September 24 – October 10, 2019 email correspondence among J. Stevens, M. Belton and A. Blackwell with cc’s to R. Collins, B. Shreve and additional others on portions of the exchange initiated by J. Stevens with subject line: “Capital Services Division” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  48. John Stevens’ Performance Appraisal for anniversary date 4/3/2019 completed by M. Belton (related appointment notice and notice of action by rater dated 2/18/2020) (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  49. Partial draft of J. Stevens response to Performance Appraisal comments by M. Belton (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  50. March 7 – March 8, 2019 email exchange between M. Belton and J. Stevens, cc: D. Hall with subject line: “Yesterday’s Meeting Regarding Bryan’s Road Market Place (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
  51. Emails related to Bryan’s Road Senior Center/Recreation Center
  52. Emails related to Acton Village/Linda Dade/Westdale Drive (‌portions withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
    • September 7, 2018 email correspondence between Linda Wilson (also known as Linda Dade) and Julie Bryson with subject line: “CRO 3514: Stormwater Management in Acton Village (and sinkholdes!),” initiated by email from L. Wilson (Dade) to Citizen Response with subject line: “Town Hall (Sept 18 ) Question – Stormwater Management in Acton Village (and sinkholes!)“
    • April 1, 2019 email exchange between C. Hunt and J. Stevens with cc’s to J. Bryson, Bill Shreve and Doremus Jenkins with subject line: “CRO 3514 Conclusion.pdf” (portions withheld)
    • April 11, 2019 email from J. Stevens to Gregory Waring and Linda Dade Wilson with cc’s to A. Swann, R. Collins and C. Hunt with subject line: “Westdale Drive Drainage Issues“
    • April 12, 2019 email exchange between C. Hunt and J. Stevens with cc’s to J. Bryson, R. Collins and A. Swann with subject line: ‘RE: Westdale Drive Drainage Issues” (withheld)
    • July 9, 2019 email exchanges between J. Stevens and C. Hunt with cc’s to M. Belton, D. Hall and J. Bryson (forwarded by M. Belton to Bill Shreve as fyi) with subject line: “CRO 3514 – Linda Dade” (withheld)
    • July 11, 2019 email from J. Stevens to G. Waring with subject line: “FW:“
    • July 12, 2019 email exchanges between J. Stevens and C. Hunt with cc’s M. Belton, D. Hall, J. Bryson with subject line: “CRO 3514 – Linda Dade” (withheld)
    • July 17, 2019 email exchanges between J. Stevens and Reed Faasen with cc’s to: D. Jenkins, C. Pompa, R. Schumaker, S. Kaii-Zeigler; P. Zielinski, P. Parsons, D. Litten and H. Scanlin with subject line: “FW: Message from Unknown sender” (withheld)
    • July 17 – July 24, 2019 email exchange between Charisse Swann and J. Stevens with subject line: “CRO 4099“
    • July 22, 2019 email exchanges initiated by Jennifer Harris forwarding request from media with subject line: “Interview request: John Stevens (Response Needed)” recipients: J. Stevens, M. Belton, B. Shreve with cc’s including D. Hall and W. Adams (withheld)
    • July 22 – July 23, 2019 email exchanges initiated by M. Belton to J. Stevens with cc’s including C. Hunt, B. Shreve, J. Harris, J. Bryson, C. Pompa with subject line: “Re: CRO 3514: Stormwater Management in Acton Village (and sinkholes!)” (withheld)
    • July 23 and July 26, 2019 email exchanges between M. Belton and J. Stevens with cc’s to J. Harris and D. Hall with subject line: “FW: CRO 3514; Stormwater Management in Acton Village (and sinkholes!)” and attachment from J. Stevens “RE: Westdale Drive Drainage Issues; Meeting RE CRO 3514” (withheld)
    • July 31, 2019 email from J. Stevens to R. Collins with subject line: “FW: CRO 3514: Stormwater Management in Acton Village (and sinkholes!)” (withheld)
    • August 1, 2019 email exchanges between J. Stevens and M. Belton with cc’s to C. Hunt, R. Collins, D. Hall and B. Shreve with subject line: “West Dale Court and Linda Dade” (withheld)
    • August 8 – August 9, 2019 email exchange between J. Stevens and M. Belton cc’s to D. Hall and B. Shreve with subject line: “FW: Acton Village – Flooding Concerns near Westdale Drive” initiated by J. Stevens forwarding email correspondence from July 24 – 25, 2019 with property manager for Acton Village HOA
    • February 14, 2020 Accepted meeting between J. Stevens and P. Zielinski with subject matter: “Acton Village Drainage Onsite Meeting” (portions withheld)
  53. July 26 and August 8, 2019 emails from M. Belton to J. Stevens and Jason Groth cc’s to C. Pompa, B. Shreve, D. Hall, W. Adams, J. Ellin, C. Hunt, J. Harris and R. Collins with subject line: “Drainage Issues“
  54. Emails related to Bracy property (‌portions withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)
    • July 11 – July 12, 2019 email exchanges between J. Stevens and M. Belton with cc’s to T. Coates, R. Collins and B. Shreve (with D. Mitchell and W. Adams added subsequently) subject line: “Mrs. Bracy” (withheld)
    • July 15, 2019 email exchanges between J. Bryson and J. Stevens with cc’s including B. Shreve, T. Kahouk, M. Belton, D. Hall, M. Abercrombie, E. Rizor, C. Hunt, T. Coates, M. Irvin, K. Stephens and B. Rucci with subject line: “Bracy Property” (withheld)
    • July 15, 2019 email from M. Belton to J. Stevens without cc’s subject line: “Bracy Property” (withheld)
    • July 16, 2019 email exchange between J. Stevens and M. Abercrombie with subject line: “FW: Bracy Property” (withheld)
    • July 16, 2019 email from J. Stevens to M. Belton with subject line: “RE: Bracy Property” (withheld)
    • July 17, 2019 email from Jonita Bracy to T. Coates, M. Belton, T. Coates, R. Collins with cc’s to K. Stephens, J. Bryson with subject line: “Rumor clarity” with response from T. Coates
    • July 17, 2019 email from T. Coates to M. Belton and J. Stevens cc’s to R. Collins and A. Blackwell with subject line: “RE: Mrs. Bracy” (in reply post July 11, 2019 correspondence listed above) (withheld)
  55. February 6, 2020 email chain forwarding January 2020 email correspondence subject line: “Fwd: AW: Congratulations” sent by G. Bowling with recipients including M. Belton, C. Hunt, J. Bungcayao, E. Minnick; forwarded by M. Belton to D. Hall, E. Minnick, D. Brown; forwarded by D. Brown to T. Coates; forwarded by T. Coates to recipient not visible. Email provided for this investigation by John Stevens.
  56. December 2009 statement and email responses related to a complaint by ManPower temporary employee Claudette Merrick against John Stevens (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters)
  57. Charles County Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, Chapters 10 and 11
  58. Commissioner’s Rules of Procedure 2019
  59. October 21, 2019 voicemail message from Commissioner Thomasina Coates left for A. Blackwell; email forwarding same to M. Belton with subject line: “FW: Message from Thomasina Coates” (‌withheld pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-311 as records of confidential personnel matters and Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. § 4-344 and § 4-301(a)(1) as interagency or intra-agency memoranda)

1 Almost all of the materials reviewed as part of this investigation were provided by John Stevens. (footnote in original report) (go back)

2 The email correspondence provided by Mr. Stevens bear the label “PIA Request.” (footnote in original report) (go back)