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Vaeth V Mayor & City Council of Baltimore
Vaeth V Mayor & City Council of Baltimore
Brian Charles Vaeth, pro se 8225 Poplar Mill Road Nottingham, Maryland 21236-5581 (410) 931-4423 [email protected]
Brian Charles Vaeth, Affiant v. Governor Martin OMalley, Baltimore OEM Director Robert Maloney, and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, City Council President Bernard Jack: Young, Councilman James B. Kraft (D-1), Councilman Brandon Scott (D-2), Councilman Robert Curran (D-3), Councilman Bill Henry (D-4), Councilwoman Rochelle Rikki Spector (D-5), Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton (D-6), Councilman Nick Mosby (D-7), Councilwoman Helen Holton (D-8), Councilman William Pete Welch (D-9), Councilman Edward Reisinger (D-10), Councilman William Cole (D-11), Councilman Carl Stokes (D-12), Councilman Warren Branch (D-13), Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke (D-14), in their official and individual capacities, and Board of Trustees, Fire & Police Employees Retirement System of Baltimore City Peter E. Keith, Vice Chairman, Joan M. Pratt, CPA, Harry E. Black, John P. Skinner, Dickson J. Henry, Frank B. Coakley, Benjamin F. DuBose Jr., Victor C. Gearhart, Robert A. Haukdal, William "Ray" Hudson, Paul S. DeSimone, Sharon Garcia, Claims Administrator and former members Frederick McGrath, Hearing Examiner, Bd. Chairman Stephan G. Fugate, Edward Heckrotte, in their official and
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AFFIDAVIT COMPLAINT IN SUPPORT OF AFFIANTS REQUEST TO PRESENT EVIDENCE BEFORE A FEDERAL GRAND JURY
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individual capacities, and The Baltimore City Board of Estimates Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Board President Bernard Jack: Young, Board Secretary Joan M. Pratt, and Board members City Solicitor George Nilson, Director of Public Works Alfred H. Foxx, Jr., in their official and personal capacities and The Baltimore City Board of Ethics Chairperson Linda B. (Lu) Pierson, Dawna M. Cobb, Guy E. Flynn, Peggy E. Wall, Jennifer Burdick, Director Mr. Avery Aisenstark, and Deputy Ethics Director Thaddeus Watulak, in their official and personal capacities and Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department James Clack, Deputy Chief Rod Devilbiss, Jr., Medical Director Public Safety Infirmary James Levy, MD, in their official and personal capacities and William Taylor, Vice President IAFF, Rick Hoffman, President IAFF Local 734, Former President IAFF Local 734 Robert Sledgeski, Former Local 734 Vice President Jerome Robusto, former Local 734 Vice President David Cox and George Nilson City Solicitor, David Ralph Deputy Solicitor, Elena DiPietro Chief, Legal Advice and Opinions Practice Group, Thomas Corey Chief, Minority and Women's Business Opportunity Office, Carolyn A. Espy Chief, Collections Practice Group, Gary Gilkey, Chief, Labor & Employment Practice Group, Sandra R. Gutman Chief, Land Use Practice Group, Mark H. Grimes Chief Legal Counsel, Legal Affairs Practice Group, Richard E. Kagan Chief, Corporate Practice Group, Kurt
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Heinrich Central Bureau of Investigation, Matthew Nayden Chief, Litigation Practice Group, in their official and personal capacities Respondents,
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MEMORANDUM OF POINTS & AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF AFFIANTS DEMAND FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE DISCRIMINATORY ACTIONS OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE TO ULTIMATELY BRING CRIMINAL CHARGES BEFORE A FEDERAL GRAND JURY TO INDICT RESPONDENTS FOR FRAUD, OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, CRIMINAL CONTEMPT, PERJURY, AND MALFEASANCE OF OFFICE AMONG OTHERS, AND TO INVOKE PROTECTIONS UNDER PROVISIONS FOUND IN THE WHISTLEBLOWERS ACT
AUTHORITIES
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 81 Stat. 602, 29 U.S.C. 621 et seq. (1976 ed. and Supp.V). Baltimore City Code Articles 11, 12, & 22 Baltimore City Charter Subtitles 12 Central Bureau of Investigation, and 22-26 Department of Law. Baltimore City Civil Service Commission Rule 57. Baltimore City Fire Department Manual of Procedures, Sections 106-2, 106-3, 115-5, 301-1, 302-1, 327-3, 328, 328-1, 329-3, 366-1, 366-2, , 366-3, 366-3-1, & 366-6. H.R.Conf.Rep. 95-950, p. 12, U.S.Code Cong & Admin.News 1978, 504, 534 H.R. 1746, the Equal Opportunity Act of 1972, 118 Cong.Rec. 7166, 7167 (1972) Maryland Local Government Tort Claims Act Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, 2-535 Memorandum of Understanding 2002-2003, the Union of the International Association of Firefighters for Baltimore City and the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City. National Labor Relations Act NFPA 1582 Physical Standards Rule 55, 56, 57, & 58 of the Civil Service Commission of Baltimore City
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S. Rep. No. 92-415, p. 37 (1971), U.S. Code Cong. & Admin. News 1972, p. 2137 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 253, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq. (1970 ed.) 42 USC 1985 CONSPIRACY TO INTERFERE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS. FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION 18 USC 4 - MISPRISION OF FELONY 18 USC 241 CONSPIRACY AGAINST RIGHTS 18 USC 242 DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS UNDER COLOR OF LAW 18 USC 371 DEFRAUDING THE UNITED STATES 18 USC 1001 PERJURY AND FALSE COMPLAINTS 18 USC 1002 POSSESSION OF FALSE PAPERS TO DEFRAUD UNITED STATES 18 USC 1003 DEMANDS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES 18 USC 1503 INTIMIDATE A WITNESS, 18 USC 1505 OBSTRUCTION OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND COMMITTEES 18 USC 1510 OBSTRUCTING A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 18 USC 1512 TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS, VICTIM OR INFORMANT, 18 USC 1512 ENGAGING IN MISLEADING CONDUCT 18 USC 1514 CIVIL ACTION TO RESTRAIN HARASSMENT OF A VICTIM OR WITNESS 18 USC 1515 DEFINITIONS FOR CERTAIN PROVISIONS; GENERAL PROVISION 18 USC 1621 PERJURY GENERALLY 18 USC 1622 SUBORNATION OF PERJURY 18 USC 1623 FALSE DECLARATIONS BEFORE GRAND JURY OR COURT 18 USC 1701 OBSTRUCTION OF MAILS GENERALLY 18 USC 1702 OBSTRUCTION OF CORRESPONDENCE 18 USC 1968 CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMAND
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18 USC 2071 CONCEALMENT, REMOVAL, OR MUTILATION GENERALLY 18 USC 2384 SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY 18 USC 2521 INJUNCTION AGAINST ILLEGAL INTERCEPTION 28 USC 1331 FEDERAL QUESTION 28 USC 1343 CIVIL RIGHTS AND ELECTIVE FRANCHISE 31 USC 3729 -3732. FALSE CLAIMS 42 USC 1983 CIVIL ACTION FOR DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS 42 USC 1985 CONSPIRACY TO INTERFERE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS 42 USC 1986 ACTION FOR NEGLECT TO PREVENT 42 USC 1987 PROSECUTION OF VIOLATION OF CERTAIN LAWS 18 USC 1927 THROUGH 18 USC 1967 (RICO) RACKETEERING, INFLUENCE, CORRUPTION, ORGANIZATION ACT 18 USC 1960, 1901, 1905, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 (RICO) CIVIL RICO (CCE) CASES CITED
Biscoe v. Baltimore City Police Dept., 96 Md. App. at 22; Edwards v. City of Goldsboro, 981 F. Supp. 406 (E.D.N.C. 1997); New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S.254, 270 (1964); Pendergast v. State of Maryland, 99 Md. App. at 149; United States v. Bellrichard, 994 F.2d 1318, 1322 (8th Cir.); United States v. Davis, 876 F.2d 71, 73 (9th Cir.); United States v Dysart, 705 F.2d at 1256; United States v. Kosma, 951 F.2d 549, 554 n.8 (3d Cir. 1991); United States v. Miller, 115 F.3d 361, 363 (6th Cir.); United States v. Roberts, 915 F.2d 889, 890-91 (4th Cir.1990); United States v. Watts, 394 U.S. at 708
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STATEMENT OF AFFIANT Brian Charles Vaeth, Affiant pro se, submits this Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of the Affiants demand for an investigation into the discriminatory actions of the City of Baltimore to ultimately bring a complaint before a Federal Grand Jury for an indictment for the alleged charges contained in this complaint, including but not limited to fraud, obstruction of justice, collusion, tortious interference, negligence, perjury, and malfeasance of office, among others, and Affiant respectfully invokes any of the protections found under provisions the Whistleblowers Act that may apply. Affiant, upon personal knowledge as to the Respondents and their acts, and the contents of the documents referred to herein, and upon information and belief as to all matters, hereby brings this request for an investigation into the serious nature of the allegations made against Respondents. Further, as the above named officials and affiliates have been shown, by prior investigations of unlawful conduct, to have engaged in intentional and malicious acts, in retaliation against members of the Baltimore City Fire Department for reporting the unlawful behavior of Respondents, Affiant intends to seek damages for these retaliatory acts. Brian Charles Vaeth, in proper person, hereby respectfully submits the following allegations, which has led to the denial of benefits to disabled retirees of the Baltimore City Fire and Police Departments upon the occurrence of an administrative hearing before the Board of Trustees for the Fire and Police Employees Retirement System of Baltimore City. As a proximate result of arbitrary and capricious rulings and the Respondents continuing refusal to provide a medical evaluation to assess a disabled retirees ability to return to duty, as provided by the Baltimore City Code, Affiant and members who are similarly situated are routinely subjected to continuing discrimination when attempts to grieve issues are undertaken. In accordance with the Baltimore City Code Affiant has asserted that this denial and the alleged violations contained throughout this complaint are in retaliation for prevailing in grievances filed against Respondents in association with their violations of a labor contract, retaliation for
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residing outside of the jurisdiction of Baltimore City, disclosures of the unlawful employment practices of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City, criticism of the manner in which pension funds were being handled, and his criticism for the manner in which the City Solicitor counsels the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS, along with the Mayor and City Council, and the Chief of Fire Departments involvement in the managed retirement funds belonging to the membership of the F&PRS .1 Affiant respectfully incorporates the aforementioned, as if fully set forth herein and in furtherance of those claims, submits the following in support of these allegations. RELATED CASES The details surrounding Affiants claim are a result of previous claims filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, case numbers 24C00005120, 24C03007014, 24C07009752, which were an appeal of an administrative agencys unlawful determination of the denial for retirement benefits from the Fire & Police Employees Retirement System of Baltimore City and the manner in which the proceedings were conducted. Affiant also filed claims in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, case numbers RDB-08-708, US Court of Appeals case number 09-2056 and WDQ-10-0182, Court of Appeals case number 11-2122. The United States District Court claims were brought pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended 42 U.S.C. sec. 12101 et seq., the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. sec. 701 et seq. (Rehabilitation Act), and the 14th Amendment to the Constitution for allegations of the denial of due process and equal protection under federal, as well as, Maryland State laws.
JURISDICTION STATEMENT
Baltimore City Code Article 1, Subtitle 8-2. Personnel actions. In any personnel action, the affected employee may have the action alleged to be in retaliation for a disclosure investigated by way of a grievance or dismissal appeal.
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Since United States District Court claims were brought pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended 42 U.S.C. sec. 12101 et seq., the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. sec. 701 et seq. (Rehabilitation Act), and the 14th Amendment to the Constitution for allegations of the denial of due process and equal protection under Federal, as well as, Maryland State laws causing Affiants employment to be terminated without cause, the United States District Court has original jurisdiction over this claim. Because the allegations contained in this complaint occurred as a result of the prior proceedings in the US District Court, to which the allegations aforementioned are charged against Respondents and which are fully disclosed herein, this agency has jurisdiction to investigate this claim and is brought forth under federal and Constitutional laws. The Fourteenth Amendment prohibits the state from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The Court has long recognized that the Due Process Clause guarantees more than fair process. Washington v. Glucksberg, 521 U.S. 702, 719 (1997). ARGUMENT Even the City realizes that controversies in employment exist. So much so that the issue is addressed in the Baltimore City Code, as follows: The City Council finds that unresolved disputes involving employees in the municipal service are injurious to the public, the municipality, and municipal employees. Therefore, adequate means should be provided for preventing controversies between the municipality and its employees and for resolving them when they occur.2
MUNICIPAL LABOR RELATIONS ART. 12 SUBTITLE 1 DEFINITIONS; GENERAL PROVISIONS 1-2. Findings and policy. (a) Preventing and resolving controversies.
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The Baltimore City Code further mandates that: Because the paramount interest of the public and the nature of municipal governmental processes make it necessary to impose special limitations upon public employment, it is incumbent upon the municipality to provide orderly procedures for the participation by municipal employees and their representatives in the formulation of personnel policies and plans, to insure the fair and considerate treatment of municipal employees, to eliminate employment inequities, and to provide effective means of resolving questions and controversies with respect to terms and conditions of employment, at the same time insuring that the public health, welfare, and safety will be at all times maintained.3 To ensure that the public health, welfare, and safety at all times are maintained, the Baltimore City Code instructs: To that end, it is necessary in the public interest that the municipal officials, municipal employees, and their representatives, shall enter into negotiations with affirmative willingness to resolve grievances and differences.4 Due to Respondents continued failure to act according to the aforementioned provisions of the Baltimore City Code, Affiant respectfully submits this complaint alleging fraud, perjury, and obstruction of justice claims, among others, against the above named Respondents. Affiant was subject to an administrative hearing process due to a recurrence of a Line of Duty injury in 2003, wherein, Mr. Frederick McGrath denied Affiant of Special Line of Duty
MUNICIPAL LABOR RELATIONS ART. 12 SUBTITLE 1 DEFINITIONS; GENERAL PROVISIONS 1-2. Findings and policy. (b) Fair treatment of employees. MUNICIPAL LABOR RELATIONS ART. 12 SUBTITLE 1 DEFINITIONS; GENERAL PROVISIONS 1-2. Findings and policy. (c) Cooperative efforts.
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Disability Benefits. Affiant immediately filed a timely appeal of that decision in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City in September of 2003. This appeal was dismissed for lack of prosecution in November of 2004, while Affiant was undergoing post surgical treatment and therapy that Respondents were paying for in association with a Workers Compensation Commission award for this injury. Due to Respondents unlawful actions surrounding the denial of his disability application, he filed a complaint in the Baltimore City Circuit Court for Maryland in December of 2007. This action was removed by Affiant to this Court in March of 2008, designated on the Court Clerks docket as civil action number RDB-08-708. A transcript of the proceedings is provided. Upon the decision of the Court to grant Respondents Motion for Summary Judgment in August of 2009, after Respondents committed fraud upon the Court, Affiant filed a timely appeal of that decision, of which the United States 4th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed on November 23, 2010. A mandate was issued on December 15, 2010. Case Number 09-2056. Affiant filed a Motion to Intervene in a lawsuit filed by the Union representatives of the active and retired members of the F&PRS in this Court, Robert F. Cherry v. Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS, Civil Action Number MJG 10-01447, for their alleged mismanagement of the funds belonging to the membership. Affiants Motion was dismissed for being filed to early. FRAUDULENT CONCEALMENT It is Affiants request that due to the serious nature of the allegations contained in this complaint an impartial and proper investigation of the unlawful actions of the City of Baltimore is ordered. 18 USC 2384 SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY, 31 USC 3729 FEDERAL FALSE CLAIMS ACT, 18 USC OBSTRUCTING A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, 18 USC 4 FEDERAL REPORTING OF CRIME, 18 USC 1001 STATEMENTS OR ENTRIES GENERALLY Affiant further alleges that the Respondents intentionally involve the IAFF (hereafter the International Association of Firefighters) Local Union 734 to demonstrate prejudice and
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discrimination by refusing to uphold federal and state laws by rejecting requests from members to forward disputes of improper employment policies and actions of the Baltimore City Fire Department properly and to provide equal representation to their members. IAFF Local Union 734 is the recognized bargaining unit for the Baltimore City Fighters, as recognized by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore.5 During all times relevant herein, Affiant consistently received positive performance evaluations, particularly regarding his ability to work cooperatively with others. 18 USC 2384 SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY, 31 USC 3729 FEDERAL FALSE CLAIMS ACT,18 USC OBSTRUCTING A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, 18 USC 4 FEDERAL REPORTING OF CRIME, 18 USC 1001 STATEMENTS OR ENTRIES GENERALLY Baltimores police and firefighters engage in one of the most dangerous and physically taxing professions in the nation, wherein they face life-threatening conditions and regularly risk physical injury and death on the job. Their physical standards require them to be able to endure substantial, sustained physical and emotional stress. In cases of injury to members of the police and fire departments an agency contracted by the City of Baltimore viewed to represent the interests of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and not those of the injured member, the Public Safety Infirmary at Mercy Medical Center commits serious violations of federal law, causing them to be excessively entangled in the business of Baltimore City. Members are ordered to report to the medical clinic that is located on the campus of the Mercy Hospital, which is managed by the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic organization, to be examined in relation to those injuries. Mercy PSI bills the members private insurance for Non Line of Duty occurrences, which they are ordered by the City of Baltimore to attend. Because of the
Baltimore City Code Article 12 Subtitle 4. CERTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS 4-1. In general. (a) Employer may recognize. The employer is hereby empowered to recognize any employee organization certified as hereinafter provided as the exclusive representative of the employees in an appropriate unit.
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responsibility bestowed upon Mercy PSI by the City of Baltimore relating to their having the discretion of determining the final duty status of members of both the Fire and Police Departments and the number of charges brought against Respondents due to allegations of discrimination, it causes them to be excessively entangled in the business of the City of Baltimore, therefore, violating the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.6 While Affiant concedes that they operate a service that is non secular in nature, the profits of that service go to serve their greater mission, which is to advocate their religious beliefs. Mercy PSI is compensated for their services with tax revenue paid to the City of Baltimore and the United States of America by Baltimore City residents and businesses for the legitimate, legal business purposes of the City of Baltimore only and is not intended to assist the church in advancing religion and certainly not intended to be compensation to a religious organization that exercises such discretion against governmental employees. This complaint pleads the alleged misconduct demonstrated by the aforementioned agencies, organizations, individuals, officers, and that of the Office of the Baltimore City Solicitors Office, in association with their willful violating of the Constitutional rights of the employees within the Baltimore City Police and Fire Departments. Unlike other City employees, Baltimores public safety workers do not receive Social Security benefits. Accordingly, the City enacted the F&PRS, through which the City swore an oath to provide, and not in any way, diminish or impair retirement, death, and disability benefits for Baltimore police, firefighters, and certain other public safety workers in accordance with Article 22 29 et seq. of the Baltimore City Code. Once employed, Baltimore police and firefighters are induced to continue employment with the City by the benefits guaranteed to them until they become disabled from the performance of their duties. These
Baltimore City Fire Department Manual of Procedures 302-1 The Medical Director of the Public Safety Infirmary shall be responsible for clinical determinations of physical qualifications of individuals to perform the tasks required by the various job classifications within the Fire Department. NFPA 1582 Standard on Medical Requirements, 1992 Edition, or later revision, shall be used as a guideline for clinical judg[e]ment of physical and medical suitability of public safety personnel, both prospective and incumbent.
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benefits address the unique needs of these members due to their not being eligible to collect Social Security benefits and because of the high risk and increased physical demands of their jobs. DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION Affiant filed a timely appeal of an August 2003 decision of the Panel of Hearing Examiners for the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS before the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. This appeal was filed to challenge the arbitrary and capricious findings of fact concerning a perceived disability resulting in the denial of an award of a Special Disability Pension Benefit from the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS. Upon successfully recovering from a surgical procedure relating to the Line of Duty injury, Affiant requested reinstatement to his position due to the administrative hearing examiners determination that he was not disabled from performing the duties of a firefighter for the City of Baltimore. Affiant further requested a review of the matter before the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS, as is also mandated by the Baltimore City Code to ensure that fairness was upheld in proceedings against any board, commission, or agency, and requested a review by all agencies responsible for the oversight of other Boards and Commissions under designation by the Baltimore City Charter. Affiant requested the assistance of Mr. Thomas P. Taneyhill, Executive Director of the F&PRS, Mr. Stephan G. Fugate, Chairman Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS of Baltimore City, and the assistance from representatives from Baltimore City Firefighters Local Union 734 throughout the period covered in this complaint, in an effort to clear his name against the unfounded charges of Respondents, however, these requests were ignored. It is evident that a proper investigation was not carried out because it would have revealed the occurrences of the abovementioned violations of Affiants Constitutional rights and he would not have to resort to the filing of a legal action to ensure the most fundamental protections that are due to him are upheld. Representation for Affiant was requested of his recognized bargaining, the Baltimore City Firefighters Union Local 734, but they refused.
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18 USC 2384 SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY, 31 USC 3729 FEDERAL FALSE CLAIMS ACT,18 USC OBSTRUCTING A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, 18 USC 4 FEDERAL REPORTING OF CRIME, 18 USC 1001 STATEMENTS OR ENTRIES GENERALLY
Affiant was refused reinstatement and a charge of discrimination was filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A copy of a Right to Sue letter was issued to Affiant and was provided to the US District Court. Affiant understands the duty that proving those allegations presents and does not rely on the findings, or lack thereof, of the EEOCs investigation alone to prove them. Affiant asserts that as a result of discrimination being demonstrated by Respondents, wherein they have had settle numerous other lawsuits, the City retaliates against members who speak out on matters of public concern regarding the manner in which the City manages the funds belonging to the members of the F&PRS and their management of the business interests of Baltimore City, as a whole.
28 SC 1331 FEDERAL QUESTION, 42 USC 12101 et seq, 18 USC 241 Conspiracy
Affiant asserts that because of the fraudulent concealment of evidence that was crucial to being able to decide Affiants request for retirement benefits and the City Solicitors false and defamatory statements, as evidenced by correspondence with the hearing examiner, the decision is based on fraud and therefore, it should be disregarded. The Record before the panel of Hearing Examiners did not contain any of the evidence pertaining to the injury of 2003. During the time Affiant has been diligently prosecuting this action, a news article was published in the Baltimore Sun that is directly associated with Affiants claim of fraudulent concealment. In that article the Baltimore Sun reported that: Six months into Mayor Martin O'Malley's first term, my chief of staff made a surprise visit to the office that handled workers' compensation claims for city and school employees. Most of the workers were missing - at lunch, Michael R. Enright was told, although the hour was 2 p.m. There was paper everywhere, Enright said - piled on desks and crammed into shelves, defying any organized filing system. And near the entrance hung a picture of the mayor - former Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, that is. Today, that office no longer exists. In its place is a private company, Comp Management Inc., hired to manage claims for the city. A city-run health clinic that evaluated injured employees has been replaced by a private one operated by Mercy Medical Center that tends to send them back to work sooner...
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Union officials say the city is being ungrateful to workers, but city officials say Baltimore simply cannot afford to keep injured workers permanently at their old salaries. Consequently, Affiant is attempting to prove that the City Solicitor commits constructive fraud and unfair/deceptive practices with regard to the administration of retirement benefits. It is obvious from the evidence presented herein that a portion of Affiants file was lost in this office and not presented as evidence that he was undergoing medical treatment at the same time as the administrative hearing was conducted. While Comp Management was handling the Workers Comp case, surprisingly no evidence from Comp Management exists in the record that was presented to the hearing examiner. The Solicitors Office will counter with false evidence regarding their good faith and the reasonableness of their conduct, including obfuscating the fact that they unlawfully withheld evidence that was crucial to Affiants claim that was part of his employment file. The City Solicitor frequently asserts outlandish defenses for claims brought against the City or officials. In a memorandum by Judge Dennis Sweeney, in the sentencing of former Mayor Sheila Ann Dixon, he wrote, During the pretrial motions in this case, I heard arguments from the defense that a developerwho was involved in numerous large and prominent developments in Baltimore could not be considered under city ethics laws to be either doing business with the City or being regulated by the City and thus Ms. Dixon was free to accept any gift from him regardless of the amount. The argument could be expected from Ms. Dixons criminal defense lawyers who are duty bound to raise all conceivable arguments on her behalf, but it was quite another thing for this argument to be supported by an affidavit from the City Solicitor of Baltimore who basically asserted that developers such as Mr. Lipscomb were not doing business with the City or regulated by it. This official position of the City was not met to my knowledge by any dissent or outrage by other elected City officials at the time it became public.
Whether or not counsel becomes a material witness, there is a possibility that the jury will hear evidence about counsels prior representation of IAFF Local Union 734 Baltimore Firefighters. Affiant filed an Ethics Complaint with the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference, which is under the direction of the City Solicitors Office and not surprisingly, the review found no evidence of an ethics violation. Their refusal to recognize Affiants right to an
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investigation into this matter is a cover up and the City Solicitors Office are the perpetrators of that fraud, whether willful or not it is alleged to be a violation due to their lack of action despite being mandated to do so by Article 12 of the Baltimore City Code. What has occurred is a violation of the criminal statute prohibiting fraud against the F&PRS.
In enacting the States Public Ethics Law, the General Assembly sought to ensure that the people maintain the highest trust in their government officials and employees, and to assure the impartiality and independent judgment of those officials and employees. . . . S.G. 15 -101(a). See Sugarloaf Citizens Assn, Inc. v. Gudis, 319 Md. 558, 575 (1990) (stating that Montgomery Countys ethics law, like the States ethics law, has been read as manifesting the General Assemblys strong desire to assure the impartiality and independent judgment of public officials) (citation omitted). Further, the Legislature intended that the ethics provisions be liberally construed to accomplish this purpose. S.G. 15-101(c). See Carroll County Ethics Commn v. Lennon, 119 Md. App. 49, 71 (1998). As the Court said in Lennon, 119 Md. App. at 64,
CASE HISTORY
Affiant was a Baltimore City Firefighter from August 1993, through July 2002 and was seriously injured in the Line of Duty on August 2, 1996, and required surgery for what was diagnosed as a herniated disc at L/5 central and to the left and a slight bulge at the disc above. Affiant, sufficiently recovered to return to his full range of duties as a firefighter in October of 1996, approximately 2 and 1/2 months after surgery. The Manual of Procedures of the Baltimore City Fire Department prescribes departmental operation procedures in effect during this period that allowed 1 year of injury leave time with an additional 12 weeks at the employees available leave expense if there is an anticipated return to duty. As you can see, Affiant utilized only a very small portion of leave time, which should adequately demonstrate that Affiant was committed to his position. In May of 1997, within 8 months after this injury, Affiant experienced back pain while he was lifting weights while at his assigned fire station. He consulted his operating physician, Dr. John Dean Rybock in order to ascertain the extent of the injury, given the fact that he had to have such an invasive procedure associated with his back injury in the past. Dr. Rybock is a well respected neurosurgeon who has since moved on to become the Dean of 16
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Admissions for the Johns Hopkins University. Affiant was diagnosed with a mild muscle strain and he returned to work for two years after this event.
Affiants back situation worsened to the point that he required an additional surgery in 1999. MRI scans prior to this second surgery showed only a small disc bulge at L5, which did not explain the severity of back pain experienced at the level of the previous Line of Duty injury related surgery of 1996. In an effort to provide a reason for Affiants severe reports of back pain, an exploratory surgery was performed. This surgery was done by the same neurosurgeon who performed the first surgery on Affiants back. This occurrence was deemed to be a Non Line of Duty injury but Affiant grieved this finding by Mercy PSI, as it was directly related to the previous Line of Duty injury and therefore it should have been deemed as such. Affiant prevailed in this grievance and he was granted Line of Duty leave time. 18 USC 242 DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS UNDER COLOR OF LAW, 18 USC 371 Defrauding the United States, 18 USC 1003 DEMANDS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES Dr. Rybock notes in his post operative report that during this procedure, post surgical scarring was noted to be quite thick, particularly overlying the shoulder of the nerve root and there was a large mass of very vascular fibrous tissue in the axilla of the nerve root. Further dissection to the axilla of the nerve root revealed the presence of an underlying fragment of disc. This is reflective of a recurrence of the 1996 injury. During his recovery from the surgery, Affiant was diagnosed with a post surgical infection and Mercy PSIs interference further delayed his return to duty from the Line of Duty recurrence. A delay in diagnosing this infection because of Dr. Lyons prejudicial diagnosis of drug seeking behavior caused Affiant to be hospitalized further hampering his anticipated return to duty. At that time, Affiant was prevented from participating in the promotional exam for the position of Fire Lieutenant. 18 USC 2071 CONCEALMENT, REMOVAL, OR MUTILATION GENERALLY, 31 USC 3729 3732. FALSE CLAIMS
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Post surgical complaints of severe pain were initially dismissed as routine surgical side effects by Dr. Rybock. During this time, Affiant was ordered to report to the Public Safety Infirmary for follow up visits to determine his duty status only. The Public Safety Infirmary at Mercy Medical Center is the employers medical representative. During these visits, reports of severe pain were demonstrated by Affiant to Dr. Paula Lyons who determined that Affiant was either narcotic dependant or in danger of becoming narcotic dependant, as an explanation for Affiants behavior. This is a very serious allegation for Dr. Lyons to make that is part of Affiants medical and permanent employment file, without following procedures to determine such a negative diagnosis, as an answer for Affiants complaints. As previously stated, a post operative infection was found and would be symptomatic of demonstrating severe pain, however, Dr. Lyons did not note a retraction in Affiants file that permanently states that drug seeking behavior was not occurring to relieve this pain. Affiant was ordered to attend medical examinations at Mercy PSI, which was not part of his personal physicians post operative care. Transportation that was available to members with Line of Duty injuries to attend these examinations at the Public Safety Infirmary was not provided to Affiant, despite his repeated requests. Affiant was ordered to report to Mercy PSI by Dr. Lyons, even though she was aware of his being prescribed prescription narcotic pain medication. Ultimately, Affiant was forced to complete an application for Special Disability Retirement Benefits from the Bd. Of Trustees, F&PRS after the Medical Director of PSI deemed him unable to perform his duties. ABUSIVE DISCHARGE Mr. Frederick McGrath denied Affiants application. In his decision, he ruled that Affiant was disabled from the performance of his duties due to a Non Line of Duty injury that occurred on May 8, 1999. This is an error, as there is no evidence contained in exhibit five (5) (Briefs as submitted to the F&PRS and hearing examiner) that exists that would support this finding. The hearing examiner was so motivated to deny the pension benefit to Affiant that
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either he made this up, or he made a mistake concerning the actual date of the occurrence of this incident. As the record shows, an incident such as the one the hearing examiner uses to support his finding of fact did occur on May 8, 1997, and not in 1999. The incident in 1997 was diagnosed as a simple muscle strain and Affiant immediately returned to duty and continued to work for two more years until the existence of excessive scar accumulation occurring as a result of the previous surgery, caused him to be placed off duty in March of 1999. A timely appeal was filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, due to violations of misconduct committed by Mr. McGrath, however, Affiant requested and was approved to be reinstated to the department before the appeal was needed to be decided by the court. 18 USC 242 CONSPIRACY AGAINST RIGHTS, 42 USC 1983 CIVIL ACTION FOR DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS, 42 USC 1985 CONSPIRACY TO INTERFERE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS, 42 USC 12101 et seq. 42 USC 1986 ACTION FOR NEGLECT TO PREVENT Affiant had several occurrences of back pain following being reinstated beginning with a Sept 2001 report, wherein Affiant experienced severe pain after stepping off a fire truck and he sought his neurosurgeons services for a follow up examination. It was determined that there was further deterioration of the L4-5 disc, a reflection of the original injury as noted by Dr. Rybock. Affiant returned to his duties until he suffered another injury in June of 2002. This injury should have been designated as a recurrence of a Line of Duty injury and Affiant given the full 1 year recovery leave time, as prescribed in the Baltimore City Fire Departments Manual of Procedures in effect at that time. Instead it was determined to be a Non Line of Duty injury, reducing Affiants recovery time to only 6 months. The recovery from surgery to correct such an injury could not be accomplished in such a shortened amount of time, causing Dr. Lyons of Mercy PSI to deem Affiant unable to perform his full duties under NFPA 1582 standards and he was ordered to file another retirement application.7 The procedures involved
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in instances of being deemed medically unfit for duty by the employer are prescribed in the Manual of Procedures and Article 22 of the Retirement Section of the Baltimore City Code. Because the medical director is given the authority to deem members unfit, the only procedure prescribed to be followed is that as provided in Article 22, 34 (e-1) and continue throughout.8 As Affiant relied on the representations concerning his disqualification from returning to his duties under the NFPA 1582 standards for physical requirements and that the Medical Director had the final determination over the physical standards of members and would not reconsider that decision, Affiant was ordered to report to the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS to file an application for disability retirement benefits. Affiant was instructed by both his Union representative that the Chief of Fire Department that the medical director had this authority and there was nothing
3.3.15.1 Category A Medical Condition. A medical condition that would preclude a person from performing as a member in a training or emergency operational environment by presenting a significant risk to the safety and health of the person or others. 6.13 Spine and Axial Skeleton. 6.13.1 Category A medical conditions shall include the following: (2) History of multiple spinal surgeries or spinal surgery involving fusion of more than 2 vertebrae, diskectomy or laminectomy, or rods that are still in place (3) Any spinal or skeletal condition producing sensory or motor deficit(s) or pain due to radiculopathy or nerve root compression (4) Any spinal or skeletal condition causing pain that frequently or recurrently requires narcotic analgesic medication.
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(e-1) Line-of-duty disability benefits. (1) A member shall be retired on a line-of-duty disability retirement if: (i) a hearing examiner determines that the member is totally and permanently incapacitated for the further performance of the duties of his or her job classification in the employ of Baltimore City, as the result of an injury arising out of and in the course of the actual performance of duty, without willful negligence on his or her part; and (ii) for any employee who became a member on or after July 1, 1979, the application for line-of-duty disability benefits is filed within 5 years of the date of the members injury. (2) Application and filing deadline. To retire under this subsection, the member must: (i) apply to the Board of Trustees, on a form approved by the Board; and (ii) submit the application to the Board no later than 1 year following the members last day of City employment.
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they could do. This was in relation to the medical director not ordering a FCE, or the Functional Capacity Examination, as is required by law. 18 USC 242 DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS UNDER COLOR OF LAW, 42 USC 1986 ACTION FOR NEGLECT TO PREVENT, 42 USC 1985 CONSPIRACY TO INTERFERE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS If there is no dispute with the adverse employment action the medical directors determination that Affiant had suffered a significant injury to his back sufficiently enough to be concerned for his safety or the safety of others, the only requirement is to file the disability application as provided. Although Affiants attorney of record at the time delivered notice of Respondents violation of the procedures for deeming Affiant unfit for duty on December 2, 2002, 26 days before his severing of his employment, this dispute was ignored. This notice is sufficient to demonstrate a dispute with the procedures PSI was employing to disqualify Affiant from returning to duty and would also be sufficient to notify Respondents of the dispute under Civil Service Rules 55-57 that a member file notice of a dispute of an adverse employment action, if one exists. Affiant was told that the reason this dispute was being ignored was because of the medical director having final say in the matter and his refusal to reconsider his decision. Affiant continued the course of treatment ordered by his doctor and no hearing on the issue never commenced. 18 USC 1002 POSSESSION OF FALSE PAPERS TO DEFRAUD THE US The provision found under section (a-3) (Application), of the retirement article prescribes that for a member to retire under subsection (a-1) or (a-2) of that section, the member must apply to the Bd. of Trustees F&PRS, on a form approved by the Board. The application must set forth the date the member wants to retire and be submitted no less than 30 days nor more than 90 days before the date of retirement. Again, Affiant protested that this Cutting-Off of employment was unlawful and again, his dispute was ignored. US CONSTITUTION 14 TH AMENDMENT Denial of Due Process
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Affiant requested the representation of his Union, IAFF Local 734, to grieve the issue of Mercy PSI arbitrarily deeming Non Line of Duty injuries that actually occur in the Line of Duty injuries again, however, Jerry Robusto, the Union representative assigned to monitor PSI refused.9 In response to Affiants request for review of this matter by the Civil Service Commission of Baltimore City, he was placed into a vocational rehabilitation program for employment in a position in the private sector of industry, not associated with firefighting or placement within the employment of City of Baltimore. Due to the Baltimore City Fire Department and PSIs refusal to make the proper determination of this injury as a Line of Duty injury and their demonstrated actions of not allowing him to return to duty, Affiant sought the proper and accepted practice of having an inter vertebral spinal fusion procedure with a Doctor who was chosen by the Workers Compensation Commission representative to oversee his treatment, since Baltimore City is self insured in this aspect. This was facilitated through an award by the Commissioner of Marylands Workers Compensation Commission deeming this injury to be a direct result of a Line of Duty injury. Affiant was subjected to the administrative hearing while he was in the process of recovering from this extensive surgical procedure and had not completed his treatment.10 Affiant was threatened with the cutting off of his Workers Compensation Benefit, which was his only source of income, if he did not comply with the requirement of the program to actively seek employment.
Employees shall have, and shall be protected in the exercise of, the right of self-organization, to form, join, assist, or participate in any employee organization, or to refrain from forming, joining, assisting, or participating in any employee organization, freely and without fear of penalty or reprisal, to negotiate collectively through representatives of their own choosing on terms and conditions of employment subject to the limitations herein stated and the administration of grievances arising there under, subject to the applicable provisions of any law, ordinance, or charter provisions relating thereto. (City Code, 1976/83, art. 1, 122.) (Ord. 68-251.)
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6.1.2 If a candidate presents with a condition that temporarily interferes with his/her ability to safely perform essential job tasks, the pre-placement medical evaluation shall be postponed until the candidate has recovered from that condition.
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US CONSTITUTION 14TH AMENDMENT DENIAL OF DUE PROCESS, 18 USC 2071 CONCEALMENT, REMOVAL, OR MUTILATION GENERALLY, 18 USC 1512 TAMPERING WITH A WITNESS, VICTIM OR INFORMANT, 18 USC 1512 ENGAGING IN MISLEADING CONDUCT, 18 USC 1513 RETALIATION AGAINST A WITNESS, VICTIM OR AN INFORMANT,
ABUSE OF DISCRETION & SLANDER A contradiction exists and raises a dispute of a material fact. The dispute raised is not one of Affiants own action but that of the Workers Compensation Commissioners determination of the causation of this injury and the Hearing Examiners incorrect ruling and how the administration of retirement benefits, due to severing him from his position, has afforded him no rightful benefit, compensation, or offer of reinstatement, when the causation of this injury has already been determined. False and defamatory statements made by the City Solicitors Office results in Affiant being subjected to continuing prejudice and discrimination. Affiants file that would reflect that Affiant was undergoing surgery for the injury in question throughout this complaint was never turned over to the hearing examiner for inclusion in the record.11 During Affiants recovery from the spinal surgery, his appeal of the decision of the hearing examiner was dismissed by the Circuit Court, despite his inability to prosecute it due to the occurrence of the aforementioned surgery and recovery. Affiant never received the notification that the action was being dismissed. When he inquired with the court to ascertain the appeals status with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, he discovered this fact and immediately sought to correct this error. The City Solicitor knew of this surgery taking place but willingly chose not to disclose it to the court even though they were paying the costs associated with it in relation to Affiants Workers Compensation Award. Affiant was contacted by the City Council Presidents Office, in what Affiant viewed as being in response to his filing of the EEOC Complaint he filed, wherein they demonstrated their desire to investigate Affiants allegations. As a result of that investigation the City Council Presidents Office issued a determination that
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Affiants right to be re-examined was not being provided and further recommended that Chief Clack initiate the re-examination process for Affiant. Chief Clack informed Affiant, upon the occurrence of a meeting with the Chief, Sabrina Willis, Assistant City Solicitor, and Mr. Roman Clarke, Aide to Chief Clack, that there was nothing he could do because his hands were tied because Affiant had a pending lawsuit against the City. The determinations of the investigation were ignored. 18 USC 1503 INTIMIDATION, 18 USC 1001 PERJURY AND FALSE COMPLAINTS STATEMENTS OR ENTRIES GENERALLY Former Chief of the BCFD William J. Goodwin, by his own words and actions and through his agents on numerous occasions, made it clear that the Fire Department was trying to force members of the Fire Department into retirement due to either age or disability. Affiant alleges that Chief Goodwin intentionally and unlawfully discriminated against him based on this presumed disability by refusing to reinstate him upon the presumptively correct decision of the hearing examiner that he was not disabled from the performance of his duties. Affiant contends that it was not his desire to retire and he can perform the duties of a firefighter, without accommodation on the part of the employer. The Baltimore City Fire Department would have been within its right to require him to show that he could perform the essential duties of a firefighter, according to the National Fire Protection Agencys 1582 standards. If he was unable to return to the essential functions of his job as a firefighter, a Medical Evaluation would have been required to support this finding and is provided for, not only in Federal statute regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, but the Baltimore City Code, Article 22 Retirement Systems, as well. The procedures that would have occurred if he was unable to meet the physical requirements of a firefighter, such as being able to wear a self contained breathing apparatus, was first that the employer must comply with the ADA and attempt to reasonably accommodate
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his disability. This was not done. As matter of fact, Affiant asserts that he is eminently qualified for the firefighter position, by virtue of his distinguished career and can perform his duties regardless of where he is assigned within the Department, without an accommodation needing to be made. 18 USC 1001 PERJURY AND FALSE COMPLAINTS STATEMENTS OR ENTRIES GENERALLY Chief Clacks actions in denying his request for reinstatement, with a qualifying disability, subjects Affiant to ridicule and disparate treatment, which constitutes discrimination under the ADA and Rehabilitation Act. The determination of this disability occurred prior to the 12 month allowance for recovery and was undermined by PSIs interference in obtaining the proper medical care for this injury. If this had been in question, there was an established procedure to assess and remedy the situation, of which PSI, the BCFD, and Baltimore Firefighters Local 734 failed and refused to use. The seriousness of Affiants injury and the grievances he filed, wherein he prevailed, are the motivating factor in Chief Clacks decision to deny his reinstatement to the Department and were a direct violation of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. Respondents acted willfully and negligently in their attempt to obfuscate his rights under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act by denying him his position as a firefighter. As a result he suffered damage to his reputation, physical and mental anguish over the loss of his job, a calling of which he desired since his childhood and the loss of enjoyment of lifes pleasures. As a further direct and proximate result of the unjust terminating of Affiant, he has suffered and will continue to suffer a substantial loss of earnings to which he would have otherwise been entitled. This includes but is not limited to the loss of any increase in salary he would have enjoyed or the opportunity for promotion through the ranks of the Fire Department. 42 USC 12101 et seq THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE, 18 USC 1001 PERJURY AND FALSE COMPLAINTS STATEMENTS OR ENTRIES GENERALLY
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Despite the fact that the agencies named had an obligation to protect Affiant, they negligently breached this duty by not reviewing the proceedings properly as directed by the Baltimore Code & Charter. Upon the abovementioned agencys notice of a request to review this matter, procedures established by the Baltimore City Code and Charter in reference to each agencys duty to investigate all matters and compliance with other agencies was not adhered to. The City has also demonstrated their reluctance to act in a manner that affords a fair and impartial tribunal as directed. 18 USC 241 CONSPIRACY AGAINST RIGHTS, 18 USC 371 DEFRAUDING THE UNITED STATES, 18 USC 1505 OBSTRUCTION OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND COMMITTEES
Although Maryland Law does not require a strict compliance with the rules of evidence in the administrative procedure, it does not effectively throw out the rules of evidence in administrative hearings but affords the easing of the rule in an attempt to achieve a fair and impartial tribunal. In this action, the reliability to achieve a fair and impartial decision is compromised when an adherence to at least an abbreviated list of basic rules would ensure just that, such as the hearing examiners ability to exclude evidence that is immaterial, irrelevant, and incompetent, as is prevalent throughout the record submitted by the City Solicitor as evidence constructed by the Board of Trustees, F&PRS, for admission. The Baltimore City Code and Charter direct each agency to cooperate and assist each other with actions brought against the Mayor and City Council or in the alternative, to assist the City Solicitor. If a level of cooperation with those agencies been adhered to a review of this matter by the Court would not be unnecessary and would not run counter to the establishment of these agencies by the Mayor, to reduce the Citys unjustifiable expenses, as the cost of defending this case against a reasonable question of legal importance such as the limitation of constitutional rights afforded to citizens of the United States when their dedication and
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commitment to this calling and the taking of their property illegally is the underlining causation which justifies this action. The hearing examiners actions concerning misconduct, as demonstrated by the Board of Trustees of the Fire and Police Employees Retirement Systems of Baltimore is not consistent with the rules of evidence for admissibility. The malfeasance of office demonstrated by the abovementioned agencies, boards, commissions, and others by not properly reviewing this action as directed by the Baltimore City Code and Charter has caused serious economic injury to Affiant and the negligence displayed in not protecting him from harm, when no violation of any rule, law, or ordinance was demonstrated by him to justify the severing of his employment with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Affiant was separated from his position as a firefighter because he was injured in the Line of Duty, which is not justification for terminating an employee. It is justified by medical disability after proper compensation is afforded to the employee by process of a fair and impartial tribunal, the inclusion of evidence relating to the matter, and the privilege of law given its appropriate consideration as directed by the Court. The responsibility of conducting administrative hearings, as prescribed in the Maryland Rules of Procedures, was given to the agencies to promote the law and lessen the congestion of these cases in the Court and not designed to give an unfair advantage to either party. It does not allow the City Solicitor, or anyone else in that matter, to include evidence that is immaterial, irrelevant, or simply to include evidence that is meant to obfuscate. This case is full of irrelevant evidence that even the hearing examiner could have excluded but chose not to and as a result became confused causing him to make a critical error in his finding of fact, which ultimately led him to this alleged illegal decision. The Maryland Declaration of Rights, Article 19 states; every man, for any injury done to him in his person or property, ought to have remedy by the course of the Law of the land, and ought to have justice and right, freely without sale, fully without denial, and speedily
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without delay, according to the Law of the land. The Maryland Code of Public Laws, 15-101, Legislative findings; policy; liberal, construction further explains that the General Assembly of Maryland recognizing that our system of representative government is dependent upon the people maintaining the highest trust in their government officials and employees, finds and declares that the people have a right to be assured that the impartiality and independent judgment of those officials and employees will be maintained. An appeal was timely noted in the Baltimore City Circuit Court but was not held due to Affiant having another surgery on his back. That surgery, which was directly associated with this injury ultimately occurred in October of 2003, a month after he received the hearing examiners decision. Upon being terminated from his position on December 28, 2002, the City of Baltimore placed Affiant in a vocational rehabilitation program. The vocational rehabilitation program was established by the Workers Compensation Commission deeming this a work related injury. During the retraining process, Affiant was medically evaluated to determine his functionality in March of 2003 and as a result thereof, it was determined that he would require a more extensive spinal procedure to be performed to correct the seriousness of his disability. The hearing examiner pointed to the results of this Functional Capacity Exam conducted under the vocational rehabilitation process, well after his Cut-Off date of December 28, 2002, that cast a dim light on his condition. It was opinioned that the test was largely self-limiting and stressed that he could not have used maximum effort. Affiant has asserted that they could not have received a maximum effort result because Affiant was pending surgery for the same injury for which they were testing his functionality. Had that medical evidence been presented to the hearing examiner properly, the alleged act of fraud would not be raised after all the City was liable for payment of the bills associated with this work related injury. Comp Management, Inc. the third party administrator for Respondents either did not turn over the medical files associated with this or the City never asked for them. This rises for beyond just a mere mistake and must be viewed as a conspiracy by Respondents
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done with full knowledge and willful intent to sabotage any attempt to receive a fair hearing before the Panel of Hearing Examiners due to the pension crisis, as is currently demonstrated in which Affiant filed a Motion to Intervene to protect his interests as a result of the City unlawful actions, which will be brought to light. Although a contract existed between members of Local 734 and the City of Baltimore, Affiant was effectively terminated from his position, without just cause, due to being deemed medically unfit for duty by the medical representative for the City of Baltimore, but ruled to be not disabled by the representative of the agency that is responsible for the administration of retirement benefits. No reason was given for this termination, as there are no specific charges that allow for termination when no rule or policy is violated. DUE PROCESS & EQUAL PROTECTION VIOLATIONS If the employee is not deemed to be disabled, the employee should be placed back on duty. The Maryland Court held in Biscoe v. Baltimore City Police Dept., that [i]f an officer claiming [an] incapacity applies for retirement and is rejected upon a finding that he or she can perform the duties of an available position, the Police Commissioner cannot dismiss the officer upon a finding that the officer cannot perform those duties. Biscoe, 96 Md. App. at 22. Thus, the contradictory findings that existed in Biscoe did not concern the permanence of Biscoes injuries. Instead, the contradiction existed because, on the one hand, Biscoe was told by the Board that he could perform his duties and, on the other hand, he was told by the police department that he could not perform them. In other words, the hearing examiner determined that Officer Biscoe was still able to perform light duties and, thus, was not totally disabled. About three months later, in April of 1991, the Director of Personnel wrote a letter to Biscoe explaining that his use of medical leave was far above the precinct average and that he needed to reduce greatly his use of leave. When Biscoe continued to use an excessive amount of sick leave, the Director recommended that he be brought before the disciplinary board. After
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numerous administrative and judicial hearings, Biscoe was terminated from the police force because of his inability to perform his duties, even light duty on a full-time basis, a conclusion by the Department completely at odds with the Boards determination that Biscoe was able to perform light duties. Thus, the issue in Biscoe was not the permanency of Officer Biscoes injuries but the conflict created by the fact that the disability retirement board found that Biscoe was still able to perform light duty, and therefore not qualified for a pension, and the fact that the police department later terminated Biscoes employment because it determined that Biscoes injuries did not permit him to perform even light duty on a full-time basis. This conflict created an impermissible Catch-22. Courts have ruled that when a contract employee is terminated, a process has to be adhered to that provides for a pre-termination hearing and a final determination hearing before terminating the employee. Edwards v. City of Goldsboro, 981 F. Supp. 406 (E.D.N.C. 1997). Affiant was only afforded a hearing for disability retirement benefits before the Panel of Hearing Examiners for the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS, not a hearing for violating policy or rules pertaining to the City of Baltimore and discipline or discharge as provided for in the Memorandum of Understanding 2002-2003, between the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore Firefighters Local Union 734. Disparate treatment has been alleged in two circumstances. The first is by the Public Safety Infirmary of the BCFD. In contradiction to the physical standards provision of the Manual of Procedures of the BCFD, the medical representatives of PSI violated the provisions of that standard, subjecting Affiant and others similarly situated to being treated differently than other injured firefighters. This treatment causes them to be overlooked for non-suppression positions after recovering from an injury. Respondents, the Mayor and City Council, were paying the costs for the vocational rehabilitation program and therefore had to pay for the costs associated with the surgery, as it was a reflection of the Line of Duty injury covered under the Maryland Workers Compensation Commission. Despite Respondents knowledge of the need for this surgery and
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the recovery associated with such an invasive spinal procedure, Respondents subjected him to the administrative hearing process anyway. The second hearing commenced before the same hearing examiner, before Affiant was released from his doctors care and again, he was denied. In Mr. McGraths decision, he asserts that Affiant is not disabled, contrary to the determination of the Public Safety Infirmary. Affiant was discharged from his employment as a firefighter for the City of Baltimore, despite his desire to remain in his position, with absolutely no retirement benefit, and no healthcare benefit. There is no indication of just cause to discharge Affiant. In Mr. McGraths decision, he asserts that Affiant is not disabled, contrary to the adoption of the NFPA 1582 standards by which PSI disqualified him from returning to his duties. It was at that point, Affiant requested to be reinstated, which would be consistent with rulings by the Maryland Court of Appeals and Mr. McGraths decision that Affiant was not disabled from the performance of his job. This request was not honored nor was the grievance procedure afforded to him, as agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and the members of IAFF Union Local 734, the bargaining representative of fire fighters. Reinstatement to the department was again requested asserting this fact and again it was rejected. Mr. Robert Maloney, Lieutenant, BCFD Headquarters advised Affiant to continue with his legal pursuits, as there was nothing he could do for him. The actions of the City of Baltimore in regard to this complaint were calculated to punish Affiant for exercising a legitimate legal right and were punitive and vindictive, undermining the orderly administration of justice. The hearing examiner was prejudiced and the conduct of the hearing was not fair and impartial, as outlined in the Baltimore City Code, Article 22. These actions amount to judicial misconduct that violates fundamental fairness and is shocking to the universal sense of justice. Because the hearing examiner is not considered a judge, no charge of misconduct can be brought against him, even though misconduct is demonstrated throughout this complaint.
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During the proceeding before the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS, Affiant objected to Mr. McGraths sitting as finder of fact due to the mistake he previously made that was challenged for its correctness. Ultimately his decision was overturned, as evidenced by Affiants reinstatement following the first hearing. Prior to the commencement of the second hearing, Mr. McGrath stated to Affiant, What makes you think you can come here and file another application for Line of Duty benefits after I already denied them to you? Nowhere does the record before Mr. McGrath reflect that the determination of Affiants disability was made by the employer and not the desire of Affiant to obtain retirement benefits. Evidence shows that Affiant was anxious to return to work, yet PSI would not allow it therefore, they did not order the required FCE that would have permitted Affiant to return to his duties. Mr. McGrath and the Assistant City Solicitor, Mr. Abraham Schwartz continued to proceed, attacking Affiants credibility when asked about the existence of a Functional Capacity Examination. Affiant responded that there was no FCE related to PSIs decision that Affiant was unable to perform his duties, but there was an FCE that was conducted 4 months after his cut-off of December 28, 2002, that could not be used for the purposes of the hearing because the FCE was conducted well after his severance with department and was for the purpose of the vocational rehabilitation program. Affiant felt it to be prudent to inform Mr. McGrath of the circumstances surrounding the FCE and the inappropriateness of introducing it for the purposes of the hearing. Mr. McGrath failed to recognize Affiants truthfulness and attacked his credibility. After this FCE was performed it was found that Affiant was self-limiting, or not being truthful about his abilities, as if he was acting when demonstrating his limitations until the onset of pain. The FCE was conducted while Affiant was awaiting surgery for the injury, which would support the complaints of pain that were found to be subjective. The hearing examiner ruled that Affiants credibility was at question and no further testimony of his could be believed. Mr. McGrath could not have made a proper finding of fact in this case because evidence that was crucial to Affiants case was fraudulently concealed by Respondents. No evidence of the final
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surgical procedure was introduced by the City that led to his being deemed unable to return to duty. Evidence that was fraudulently concealed from Dr. Halikman, the physician chosen by the Bd. of Trustees, F&PRS and from being submitted in the record before the hearing examiner, was crucial in Mr. McGraths being able to come to a decision that was consistent with deciding cases of disability retirement benefits. Affiant felt that if it was the decision of the employer to retire him, then he was justified in applying for and receiving the benefit even though there is no evidence that he desired to retire. Evidence shows that this was the prejudicial opinion of the Assistant City Solicitor, Abraham Schwartz, with no evidence to that opinion being submitted other than that of Affiants testimony that PSI made the determination in relation to the physical standards contained in NFPA 1582 that Baltimore City adopted. FRAUD/PERJURY In support of Affiants allegations of fraudulent concealment, that evidence was withheld by the City of Baltimore that was crucial to his claim, Assistant Chief Rod Devilbiss, Jr. submitted an affidavit to this Court, in a prior proceeding, that after performing an investigation no evidence of a dispute could be found. Assistant Chief Devilbiss, Jr. committed perjury or Respondents withheld this information intentionally. With reverence and respect to Chief Devilbiss Jr.s, distinguished career in the department and Affiants personal knowledge of him, it is Affiants allegation that the evidence had to be intentionally withheld by the City of Baltimore because Chief Devilbiss, Jr. has never been known to falsify official records or make misrepresentations associated with them. Since it was an injury that Affiant suffered in the Line of Duty, not only was he eligible for a disability benefit, he was also subject to being re-examined for the potential to return to duty.
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Additionally, since Affiant was being removed from his job through no fault of his own, he was treated as if his position had been abolished when in fact, his position was filled by another member and the City has since hired several classes to hire new probationary firefighters. It is alleged that this demonstrates the hearing examiners intent to maliciously act and cause Affiant not to be re-examined for his potential return to duty. Due to the fact that the hearing examiners decision that Affiant is not disabled from the performance of his duties has not been overturned as of yet on appeal, it remains presumptively correct and therefore Affiant should have been provided with all of the rights to re-examination for rehire. The proximate result of the hearing examiners actions has left Affiant unemployable in the workforce. Affiant had no opportunity for discovery from the City Solicitor, which is not consistent with the preparation of a proper defense of the City Solicitors evidence for admissibility and the malfeasance of office demonstrated by the abovementioned agencies, boards, commissions, and their members by not properly reviewing this action, as directed by the Baltimore City Code and Charter that caused serious economic injury to Affiant and the negligence displayed in not protecting him from harm when no violation of any rule, law, or ordinance was demonstrated by him to justify the severing of his employment from the Baltimore City Fire Department. Due to the serious economic situation Affiant encountered he was forced to settle the award of his Workers Compensation Commission benefit in September of 2007 for less than originally awarded. This payment is the last date a payment from Respondents to Affiant was made in relation to this injury. During the times relevant in this complaint, Affiant continually reapplied or requested to be reinstated to his position.
Due to the arbitrary, capricious, decision of Mr. Frederick McGrath, with willful malice as intended to cause Affiant further injury, he has not been provided with an opportunity to be re-examined for his potential return to duty. Prior to the filing of this complaint, in what Affiant thought was the Mayors 34
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Office response to his EEOC Complaint, Affiant was directed to contact the director of the Mayors Commission on Disabilities, Dr. Nollie Wood, who instructed him to contact the ADA Coordinator for the Baltimore City Fire Department. He was further instructed by Dr. Wood to contact the executive secretary for the Fire Department, Mrs. Barbara Hemberger for the designated ADA Coordinators contact information. Mrs. Hemberger referred Affiant to Captain Richard Smothers, as the the designated ADA Coordinator. Upon meeting with Captain Smothers, wherein Affiant offered the details surrounding this complaint, he agreed that Affiants rights were seriously violated, however, he didnt know what he could do. Captain Smothers informed Affiant that he would contact Dr. Wood to ascertain his role in these proceedings. Dr. Wood instructed Mr. Smothers that he could not be involved due to his being a part of the appeal process.
Affiants personnel file continues to contain false charges, including charges that he was narcotic dependant; that he was not well motivated to return to his duties; among other occurrences, as alleged throughout all times relevant herein. This information is being shared with other agencies in order to comply with Maryland regulations and the fact that Baltimore City has a practice of providing all records pertaining to a former employees, to prospective employers and investigating agencies. The false charges contained in his file are a motivating factor in his not being considered for reinstatement and much less helpful in his even being successful in obtaining new employment. In order to have the aforementioned false charges removed from his record, Affiant continually requested an opportunity to clear his name, however, these requests remain ignored. Affiant felt as though he was justified in requesting this opportunity to clear his name because his appeal to challenge the determinations was dismissed from the Circuit Court for Baltimore City while Affiant was undergoing post operative medical care associated with this injury and he received no notice of the appeals dismissal by the Court. In June of 2004, the City Council of Baltimore elected to provide members who were retired under provisions of Article 22 of the Baltimore City Code, that if the members application for benefits was previously denied for the injury not occurring within
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5 years of the application, they could re-file for benefits and be considered otherwise eligible for them.12 Affiant never received notice of this provision, as well. Affiant sent numerous complaints requesting an opportunity to clear his name, since his appeal was not heard due to the aforementioned reason that he was undergoing post operative care for a very invasive spinal surgery, but he has not been afforded an avenue of redress. Affiant asserts that he has been deprived of the right to due process and his property interests in his job without receiving a fair and impartial tribunal as directed. Affiant is further deprived of his liberty interest in his reputation without the name clearing hearing to which he is entitled. 42 USC 1985 CONSPIRACY TO INTERFERE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS, 31 USC 3729 -3732. FALSE CLAIMS, 18 USC 2384 SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY, 18 USC 1512 Tampering with a witness, Victim or Informant, 18 USC 1512 Engaging in Misleading Conduct, 18 USC 1513 Retaliation against a witness, victim or an informant, 18 USC 1621 Perjury generally, 18 USC
12
(r-1) Special transitional rules for certain line-of-duty disability applicants. (1) A member or former member who applies for a line-of-duty disability benefit under subsection (e-1) of this section or for a 100% line-of-duty disability benefit under subsection (f-1) of this section is entitled to the benefit, without regard to the 5-year statute of limitations set by subsection (e-1)(1)(ii) of this section, if the applicant: (i) files a completed application with the Board of Trustees on or after January 3, 2005, and on or before April 1, 2005; and (ii) is found by a hearing examiner to be otherwise eligible for the benefit by having met all other criteria set by law. (2) If a retired or former member was denied a line-of-duty disability benefit because a hearing examiner found that he or she had not filed the application within 5 years of his or her injury, the retired or former member is nonetheless entitled to the line-of-duty disability benefit if she or he: (i) files a new completed application with the Board of Trustees on or after January 3, 2005, and on or before April 1, 2005; and (ii) is found by a hearing examiner to be otherwise eligible for the line-of-duty disability benefit originally applied for by having met all other criteria set by law at the time of his or her original application. Editors Note: The preceding subsection (r-1) was added by Ordinance 04-889. Section 2 of that Ordinance further provided: [A]ny increased benefits payable to a retired or former member who applies for and is granted line-of-duty disability benefits under ... 34(r-1)(2) ... are to be paid prospectively from the date on which the member files his or her new application. Any benefit increases under ... 36A applicable to a line-of-duty disability benefit granted under 34(r-1)(2) shall be calculated as if the member had been awarded the line-of-duty disability effective with his or her date of retirement, but the additional 36A benefit increases shall only be paid prospectively from the date the retired member files his or her new application under 34(r-1)(2).
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1622 SUBORNATION OF PERJURY, 18 USC 1623 FALSE DECLARATIONS BEFORE GRAND JURY OR COURT The City Solicitors Office was involved in the arrest of Affiant after he made a phonecall to Congressman John Sarbanes Office. The Congressmans office alleged that Affiant made threatening statements to them concerning the City Solicitors Office and their actions. This was not true and a false claim was filed with the Baltimore County Police Department. Whether a particular communication constitutes a true threat depends on both its language and its context. Pendergast, 99 Md. App. at 149. As the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit explained in Roberts, 915 F.2d at 890-91, the context in which the words were written, the specificity of the threat, and the reaction of a reasonable recipient familiar with the context in which the words were written are factors which must be considered in determining whether a writing is a true threat. See also United States v. Miller, 115 F.3d 361, 363 (6th Cir.) (stating that if a reasonable person would foresee that an objective rational recipient of the statement would interpret its language to constitute a serious expression of intent to harm, kidnap, or kill the President or other statutorily protected target, that message conveys a true threat), cert. denied, 522 U.S. 883 (1997); United States v. Davis, 876 F.2d 71, 73 (9th Cir.) (per curiam) (noting that the recipient's state of mind, as well as actions taken in response, are relevant to the determination of whether a true threat was made), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 866 (1989). Of import here, [a] threat may be considered a true threat even if it is premised on a contingency. United States v. Bellrichard, 994 F.2d 1318, 1322 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 510 U.S. 928 (1993); see United States v. Kosma, 951 F.2d 549, 554 n.8 (3d Cir. 1991) (recognizing that conditional threats could still be considered true threats); Dysart, 705 F.2d at 1256 (A statement may constitute a threat even though it is subject to a possible contingency in the makers control) (quoting trial courts jury instructions with approval). Cf. Moosavi, 355 Md. at 664 (construing former Art. 27, 9, which provided that a person may not threaten . . . to: (1) Set fire to or burn a structure, and stating that the statute does not look to the truth or
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falsity of the statement; rather, it punishes statements which constitute communicated intentions to do harm). The Supreme Court observed, id. at 707: [A] statute such as this one, [i.e., 18 U.S.C. 871], which makes criminal a form of pure speech, must be interpreted with the commands of the First Amendment clearly in mind. What is a threat must be distinguished from what is constitutionally protected speech. Quoting New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S.254, 270 (1964), the Court elaborated, Watts, 394 U.S. at 708: [W]e must interpret the language Congress chose "against the background of a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open, and that it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials."The Supreme Court concluded that the words in issue were a kind of very crude offensive method of stating a political opposition to the President. Id. at 708. However, when viewed in context, and considered with the expressly conditional nature of the statement and the reaction of the listeners, who reportedly laughed, the Supreme Court determined that the words did not constitute a threat to the President within the scope of the statute. Id. It reasoned: We do not believe that the kind of political hyperbole indulged in by Affiant fits within that statutory term. Id. 18 USC 1503 Intimidate a Witness, Affiant incorporates by reference all paragraphs of this Complaint, the evidence submitted in the form of exhibits and the index, as if fully set forth herein. Affiant has demonstrated an entitlement to relief and the balancing of equities favors the issuance of an injunction against Respondents. Unless Respondents are enjoined from the conduct as alleged herein, Affiant will continue to be subject to economic injury, of which to date can be calculated but in relation to future loss, they cannot be accurately determined, at this time. Nothing in the law allows for fraudulent actions from either party in adversarial proceedings such as this. For this reason and for the malicious behavior as demonstrated by the
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City Solicitors Office, Affiant respectfully requests the granting of an investigation. When firefighters or police officers become disabled in the Line of Duty, if errors in the legislation exists the firefighter or police officer should not be subject to having his life destroyed by a corrupt agency of the City, just to avoid taking responsibility for their own incompetence and fraudulent misrepresentations. Affiant is not attempting to litigate any claim for retirement benefits before this agency, it is his desire to report the above allegations to request an investigation to be commenced in order to discover and sanction the unprofessional conduct of the City Solicitors Office. The requisite fraud on the court occurs where it can be demonstrated, clearly and convincingly, that a party has sentiently set in motion some unconscionable scheme calculated to interfere with the judicial systems ability impartially to adjudicate a matter by improperly influencing the trier of fact or unfairly hampering the presentation of the opposing partys claim or defense. Aoude v. Mobil Oil Corp., 892 F.2d 1115, 1118 (1st Cir.1989). When reviewing a case for fraud, the Court should consider the proper mix of factors and carefully balance a policy favoring adjudication on the merits with competing policies to maintain the integrity of the judicial system. Id. At 1117-18. Because dismissal sounds the death knell of the lawsuit, Courts must reserve that medicine for instance wher e the defaulting partys misconduct is correspondingly egregious. Id. At 1118. The trial court has the inherent authority, within the exercise of sound judicial discretion, to dismiss an action when a Affiant has perpetrated a fraud on the court, or where a party refuses to comply with court orders. Kerblum v. Schnieder, 609 SO. 2d 138, 139 (FL. 4th DCA 1992). Affiant has forwarded complaints to each one of the agencies named herein and has not received the fair investigation into his claim, as is mandated. Affiant hereby respectfully requests that he be afforded the full attention of the Board of Ethics and not just the Executive Director Avery Aisenstark, who has recently been found to have not met with the Board for 6 years. It is during the 6 years, as covered herein, that Affiant filed his first complaint with the
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Board of Ethics. The Executive Director demonstrated that the Board of Ethics dismissed the complaint. How can this be possible when Mr. Aisenstark hasnt met with them in 6 years. Due to the allegations of fraud and obstruction of justice, Affiant hereby requests that he be afforded all of the provisions, as found in Article 8 of the Baltimore City Code. A hearing to present the volumes of evidence into these allegations is requested. CONCLUSION Throughout this period of time, Affiant has not slept on his rights and has exhausted all of his options at redressing this issue. The actions of Respondents, through private counsel, must be viewed as malicious in that an error was made, wherein Affiant was denied a retirement benefit and they remain woefully ignorant of the fact the Affiants life has effectively been destroyed. The Assistant City Solicitor introduced a letter to Mr. McGrath, based solely upon his opinion without evidence of any kind to support it and Mr. McGrath utilized that, plus his own prejudicial opinions to serve an interest of his own to deny Affiant his rightful benefit even if it meant he would have to do it unlawfully. A manifest injustice, from a natural reading of the term itself, requires that there exist a fundamental flaw in the courts decision that without correction would lead to a result that is both inequitable and not in line with applicable policy. The evidence presents this sufficiently as to request that the Court grant Affiants request to reopen this appeal. Affiant has diligently sought the restoration of his property right at all times contained herein, has had to research the law on his own and, as has been stated in the pleadings before the honorable US District Court, Affiant has had to go from performing his job, saving others to researching a very complex legal issue involving very a fundamental issue, in an effort to save his own. The erroneous decision of the hearing examiner subjects Affiant to prejudice and discrimination upon the occurrence of an interview for prospective employment. Affiant feels as though if this issue is not redressed, he will be subject to an undue burden in supporting himself in the future, all because of his commitment to Respondents and the Citizens of Baltimore. As Affiant was
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assembling this conclusion, remarks from President OBama resonates from the very heart of this matter. Those remarks were, That large-heartedness that concern and regard for the plight of others is not a partisan feeling. It is not a Republican or a Democratic feeling. It, too, is part of the American character. Our ability to stand in other people's shoes. A recognition that we are all in this together; that when fortune turns against one of us, others are there to lend a helping hand. A belief that in this country, hard work and responsibility should be rewarded by some measure of security and fair play; and an acknowledgment that sometimes government has to step in to help deliver on that promise. Without regard to political party affiliation, the Presidents poignant remarks concerning the character of the American citizen is that we possess the ability to stand in other peoples shoes and realize exactly that, that we are all in this together. Certainly, Affiants fortune turned against him and he has been requesting a helping hand for the past six years, without success. Affiant believed that by fulfilling his lifelong desire to serve in such a noble profession as fire fighting, protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Baltimore, the reward for his dedication and commitment to the public service would be some sort of measure of fair play. Article 12 of the Baltimore City Code mandates fair play as essential to ensure the public trust in government to ensure that public policy remains intact. This is furthered by the intent prescribed in Article 11, 1-2 of the Baltimore City Code. Although this provision became available after the erroneous decision of Mr. McGrath, he was never notified of this rule despite the many requests for review he has submitted to Respondents.
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While many in this country may be deeply skeptical that government is looking out for them, that skepticism is born from a continuing attitude of prejudice and discrimination to be demonstrated by actions like those alleged in the foregoing, especially when committed by the government. While the politically safe move maybe to defer this matter, Affiant cannot afford to kick this can further down the road.
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For the reasons enclosed, Affiant respectfully requests that this honorable Court permit the re-opening of this appeal, to address the denial of Special Line of Duty Retirements Benefits. Affiant does not believe that this request poses an apparent hardship on this Court or Respondents counsel, as provisions for re-examining proceedings before the F&PRS have been allowed, in prior instances.
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Respectfully,
Brian Vaeth 8225 Poplar Mill Road Nottingham, MD 21236-5581 (410) 931-4423
AFFIDAVIT
I, Brian Charles Vaeth, Affiant before the Department of Justice, hereby solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury that the enclosed statement is true and complete, to the best of my knowledge and belief, this 19th day of November, 2012 and is respectfully submitted for consideration.
Brian Charles Vaeth, Affiant 8225 Poplar Mill Road Nottingham, Maryland 21236-5581 (410) 931-4423
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MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE CITY, a municipal corporation, City Hall Room 101 100 North Holliday Street Baltimore, MD 21202, BOARD OF ESTIMATES FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE CITY, a municipal corporation, City Hall Room 101 100 North Holliday Street Baltimore, MD 21202, BOARD OF ETHICS FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE CITY, a municipal corporation, City Hall Room 101 100 North Holliday Street Baltimore, MD 21202, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FIRE AND POLICE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE, a body politic and corporate 7 East Redwood Street, 19th Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21202, and GEORGE NILSON, individually and in his official capacity as City Solicitor 100 N. Holiday Street, Room 101 Baltimore, Maryland 21202, SABRINA WILLIS, individually and in her official capacity as Assistant City Solicitor City Hall 100 N. Holiday Street, Room 101 Baltimore, Maryland 21202, JAMES LEVY, MD., individually and in his capacity as Medical Director, Mercy Medical Center PSI 301 St. Paul Place Baltimore, Maryland 21202
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FREDERICK McGRATH, individually and in his capacity as Hearing Examiner for the Fire and Police Employees Retirement System of the City of Baltimore, 7 East Redwood Street, 19th Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21202 THOMAS P. TANEYHILL, in his capacity as Executive Director, Fire and Police Employees. Retirement System of the City of Baltimore, 7 East Redwood Street, 19th Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21202, JAMES T. CLACK, in his capacity as Chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department 401 E. Fayette Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202
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