Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker didn't wait long to confirm rumors of the end of Roberto Hylton's term as chief of police. Shortly after he was sworn in late Monday morning, Baker announced eight interim and two permanent appointments of his senior staff and county agency heads, including interim Police Chief Mark Magaw.
Magaw, a 27-year veteran of the police department, took over for Hylton Monday. He had previously been the deputy chief of the Bureau of Strategic Management.
Rumors of Hylton's removal were reported last week, though Baker refused to comment.
Hylton has held the position since 2008. In that time, crime across the county has gone down. However, problems within the police department have recently come to light. Earlier this week it was reported that at least 46 officers are either currently suspended or assigned to administrative duties because of violations or misconduct.
Fire Chief Eugene Jones also was relieved. He was replaced on an interim basis by Marc Bashoor, who retired from the department in 2005 as deputy chief of operations after 23 years as a county firefighter.
On Baker's senior staff, P. Michael Errico was named acting chief administrative officer, Bradford Seamon was named acting deputy chief administrative officer and Gwen McCall was appointed Baker’s chief of staff.
In addition to chiefs Magaw and Jones, Baker named the following interim agency heads:
- Acting Director of Department of Housing and Community Development Betty Hager Francis
- Acting Director of Office of Finance Gail Francis
- Acting Director of Office of Management and Budget Thomas Himler
- Acting Director of Department of Environmental Resources Samuel Wynkoop
Baker also named Stephanye Redd Maxwell the director of the Office of Human Resources Management.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Baker had promised major changes in the wake of the corruption charges against his predecessor, Jack Johnson.
With the exception of Chief of Staff McCall and Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Seamon, the county council must approve the appointments.
