UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO is taking action to hold Montgomery County Sheriff Maxwell Uy accountable for serious failures in leadership, transparency, and compliance with the law—failures that directly harm our members, undermine public safety, and erode trust in the Sheriff’s Office.

Last month, MCGEO submitted a formal request under Maryland’s Public Information Act seeking records related to the handling of a state-funded child support enforcement grant (CSA-CSR-25-043). Deputies funded through this grant are supposed to work exclusively on child support enforcement.

Members reported that grant-funded deputies were routinely pulled away to unrelated assignments—while still being paid with child support enforcement dollars.

“If deputies are being diverted from grant-funded work, that’s not a paperwork error—it’s a serious violation.”

Under Maryland law, the Sheriff is required to respond to information requests promptly or, at minimum, provide written notice requesting additional time. Sheriff Uy has done neither.

The Sheriff’s Own Report Confirms What Members Have Said All Along

A staffing analysis commissioned by Sheriff Uy himself confirms that all Child Support Enforcement Section staff are grant-funded—and admits deputies are “frequently pulled” to cover courtroom security and transportation duties.

That directly contradicts the Sheriff’s public denials.

After publicly calling the allegations “false,” Sheriff Uy transferred two deputies out of the Child Support Section immediately after the issue became public—raising serious concerns about retaliation.

A Workplace Governed by Fear, Not Leadership

Members have submitted written accounts describing what they say is a culture defined by intimidation, micromanagement, favoritism, and retaliation.

Deputies report:

• Constantly shifting expectations

• Retaliation for asserting workplace rights

• Punishment for taking legally protected family leave

• Severe stress, anxiety, and depression tied directly to work conditions

Some members say they were denied opportunities or threatened with removal from assignments. Several report needing therapy just to cope.

“The stress followed me home. Anxiety and depression became part of daily life.”

Rather than addressing these concerns, Sheriff Uy dismissed them publicly as “meritless” and “a distraction.” That response speaks volumes.

Leadership Failures with Real Public Safety Consequences

This isn’t just an internal personnel issue. The consequences are visible—and dangerous.

Under Sheriff Uy’s leadership:

• 80% of employees voted no confidence

• More than 30 deputies and civilian staff have left

• Chronic understaffing persists

• Court operations are routinely disrupted

• Critical backlogs continue to grow

Earlier this year, judges testified before the County Council about escalating safety concerns in the courthouse—including threatening behavior directed at staff. The staffing analysis also reveals a massive backlog of arrest warrants. MCGEO estimates approximately 2,000 warrants remain unserved, with deputies typically assigned to warrant service only one day per week.

“Unserved warrants and understaffed courts don’t just hurt morale—they put the public at risk.”

Attempts to blame these failures on COVID or national trends don’t hold up. Nearby departments in Gaithersburg and Rockville are nearly fully staffed.

Deputies’ Voices Matter

Anonymized statements from deputies describe the reality inside the Sheriff’s Office:

“Manipulation and favoritism run rampant. I no longer make decisions for fear of retaliation.”

“Morale is at an all-time low. It’s an ‘us versus them’ workplace with no real leadership.”

“I had to seek therapy just to survive going to work.”

These are not isolated complaints. They are consistent, credible, and deeply troubling.

Accountability Is Not Optional

MCGEO will not sit quietly while:

• Public funds are potentially misused

• Members are retaliated against

• The Sheriff ignores the law

• Public safety is compromised

“Transparency, lawful conduct, and competent leadership are not optional—they are the baseline.”

We will continue to hold Sheriff Uy accountable through legal, contractual, and public channels until transparency is restored, retaliation ends, and the Sheriff’s Office is led with the integrity Montgomery County workers and residents deserve.

If you’re an Active Ballot Club (ABC) member, this is your moment.

MCGEO’s political strength doesn’t just show up on Election Day — it’s built before ballots are cast, when we decide who earns our union’s endorsement. That work happens through the MCGEO Endorsement Committee, and we’re looking for ABC members ready to roll up their sleeves and be part of it.

Our endorsements matter. They influence who sits at the bargaining table, who writes the laws we work under, and who listens when we speak up. 

Our political decision makers ensure that our contracts are funded, that we have the tools we need to do our jobs, and that the most vulnerable in our community are considered when laws are written.

We cannot, and will not, ever sit on the sidelines!

What the Endorsement Committee Does

• Screens candidates for federal, state, and county offices

• Reviews questionnaires and voting records

• Participates in candidate interviews

• Votes on endorsement recommendations (which then go to the Executive Board)

This committee doesn’t rubber-stamp politicians — it asks hard questions and makes sure candidates earn our support.

Who’s Eligible

✔️ Active Ballot Club members only
✔️ Members who want a real voice in our union’s political direction

How to Join

If you’re an ABC member and want a seat at the table, complete the application here:
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/ZxT1cjTh8W

Not in the ABC yet but interested? Joining the Active Ballot Club is the gateway to this work — and to strengthening our collective political power. Fill out an ABC Checkoff form here: https://www.mcgeo.org/abc-endorsement-committee-application/

This is how members lead. This is how we protect our contracts. And yes — this is how we make politicians nervous in a good way.

If you care about who represents us, join the Endorsement Committee.