Shown above is the device Dorchester County waterman Dean Price found hidden under the stern of his boat early last year. (Photo: WBOC)ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP/WBOC)- The Maryland Attorney General's Office has confirmed that the Department of Natural Resources sought court orders allowing the placement of tracking devices on the boats of watermen.
State lawmakers had asked the department to provide evidence that DNR acted lawfully in its investigation into possible natural resources violations.
A year ago, several Dorchester County watermen found a tracking device underneath the sterns of their boats. DNR Secretary John Griffin admitted to placing the devices on the vessels to monitor any illegal activity. He said his department had obtained warrants for the devices. A letter sent earlier this month by Deputy Attorney General John B. Howard Jr. to Griffin confirmed Griffin's claims.
Cecil County Delegate Michael Smigiel said he also later received a letter from Howard saying a review found Griffin had not abused his authority. However, Smigiel, who has threatened to sue over the probe, questioned why the attorney general's office would not reveal which court authorized the placement.
