The Supreme Court of Maryland has issued a stay to halt the enforced resignation of a Harford County official. As reported by FOX Baltimore, Councilman Aaron Penman, also a Sergeant in the Harford County Sheriff's Office, was being removed from his legislative role due to charges of ethical violations.

This intervention from the state's highest court came after a Harford County Circuit Court judge ruled in January that Penman's simultaneous holding of positions in both the county council and sheriff's department presented a conflict of interest, undermining the separation between different branches of government.

Unable to step down without a challenge, Penman appealed for a stay, which Judge Richard S. Bernhardt Sr denied. In the subsequent events, the Supreme Court of Maryland granted Penman respite, deciding to maintain the stay while deliberating on whether to review Penman's appeal. "I’m grateful for today’s ruling from the Maryland Supreme Court, which allows me to continue serving District B as the appeal process moves forward," Penman asserted in a statement cited by Maryland Matters. "I remain confident in my legal standing and my ability to proudly serve both as a legislator and a committed member of the public safety community. I will keep fighting and keep you informed as the legal process unfolds."

The issue began with an ethics complaint from Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly last February, leading to a court ruling that Penman’s job violated the county charter. The charter bans county lawmakers from holding government jobs at the same time. Penman argues that another council member could keep their elected position while working as a teacher, which could influence his case.

Penman has temporarily avoided removal, but the final decision from Maryland’s courts is still pending.