Sheriff Mark Westrum Sheriff Mark Westrum

An attorney representing a Sagadahoc County deputy in a dispute with Sheriff Mark Westrum said this week he has "deep concern" about how the investigation of his client will be conducted.

Sagadahoc County Commissioners authorized the investigation on Monday, after a closed door meeting, of a claim by Mark Damren that Westrum sexually harassed him. Attorney Michael Turndorf represents Damren, who was put on paid administrative leave several weeks ago, pending an internal investigation

Damren's allegation of sexual harassment was made public in the February 22 issue of the daily newspaper, The Times Record. In the article, Damren described an incident which allegedly happened in 2006 on a boat ride with Westrum on the Kennebec River.

In a telephone interview Tuesday, Turndorf said, "My true concern is that the investigation be conducted fairly, thoroughly, and impartially.

"However, I have deep concern that it will not occur because the commissioners have given Westrum a nod, nod, wink, wink, in the past when he has done something wrong," he said.

According to Turndorf, there are several events that have lead to the current situation, and they all should be investigated. One issue which should be investigated, Turndorf said, is a possible misuse of power by Chief Deputy Jay Manhardt.

Westrum denies Damren's allegation, and is anxious to have the truth come out, he said.

"I look forward to this investigation. In fact, I encouraged it. It has to come to a conclusion quickly," Westrum said in a telephone interview Tuesday morning. In addition to serving as sheriff of Sagadahoc County, Westrum is on the Lincoln Sagadahoc Jail Authority, which built and operates the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset. He served as interim administrator of the jail during the time the search for a new administrator was being conducted. The jail was a joint project of the two counties.

According to a statement issued by the Sagadahoc Commissioners earlier this week, "The conduct that will be the focus of the investigation allegedly occurred in 2006 that was never reported to the Commissioners."

Nevertheless, according to Commissioner Allan Houston, Chairman of the board, "The commissioners have a responsibility to county employees and the public to review allegations of this nature, no matter when or how they emerge."

The commissioners will hire a qualified outside investigator and are committed to an immediate and timely process, according to Houston. The investigator will have access to all records, and other resources necessary to get to the truth.

"It is essential to get to the facts in this situation, rather than having it play out in the press," Houston said, "in fairness to everyone involved."

As of Tuesday, the outside investigator had not been named. However, Houston said he expects some- one to be selected within the next few days; the investigation should be completed within four to six weeks.

"The commissioners look forward to being able to let the public know the results of the investigation as soon as practical. Meanwhile, it is appropriate for us to refrain from further comment until the investigation concludes," Houston said.

Manhardt was contacted Monday by this newspaper to ask why Damren was put on paid administrative leave.

"I cannot disclose that information," Manhardt said. "Deputy Damren is entitled to confidentially in this matter."

However, Turndorf said that Damren was put on paid administrative leave January 28 by Manhardt for possible misuse of federal funds. The scope of the investigation has expanded to improper use of his computer, and alleged disclosure of official information, Turndorf said.