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Details of misconduct and inappropriate behavior against Foote released

January 30th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland State Attorney General’s office has made available detailed accounts of the alleged inappropriate behavior of Allegany County Board of Education member Wayne Foote. As first reported Monday by WCBC News, letters from former board members Laurie Marchini and Sara Beth Bittinger, with specific allegations of inappropriate comments of a sexual nature,  were sent to the state in early January.  According to documents provided by the AG’s office, Marchini’s letter claims that Foote grabbed her breast from behind as she was holding a door open. That is said to have taken place in October of 2017 with Marchini adding that Foote also ran his hand from her waist, up her side and groped her.  Foote told WCBC News recently that he recalls the incident differently…

                                     

In addition, Marchini claims that a female staff member was subjected to comments and a gesture from Foote that was sexually suggestive. Bittinger, former school board president,  in a letter dated January 9th to State School Superintendent Karen Salmon wrote that in the winter of 2016, Foote made sexually suggestive and explicit comments to her- comments she said were heard by other board members, the superintendent  and general legal council.  As the state board investigates Foote’s possible removal from the board, he will be given the opportunity to respond to the accusations and request for removal. Foote is represented by Cumberland Attorney George “Mac” Mckinley who tells WCBC News that they have until mid February to respond to the state board…

                                                       

Board President Robert Farrell said the entire situation is growing tiresome and its clear to him this is all politically motivated….

                                              

Neither Bittinger or Marchini returned calls from WCBC News seeking comment

8 Responses to “Details of misconduct and inappropriate behavior against Foote released”

  1. January 29, 2019 at 3:04 pm, Walter Patterson said:

    So the alleged breast touching was in October 2017. Why not report it then instead of after the election in 2018? Why?

    Reply

  2. January 29, 2019 at 6:12 pm, Martin D Fornwalt said:

    Seeing this for quit awhile now. Then Lawyers get involved. In this world of sexual acts. The NO TOLERANCE SHOULD APPLY.

    Reply

  3. January 29, 2019 at 8:49 pm, kevin said:

    If a school employee did this kind of stuff they would hopefully be long gone. Yet, here we are. A certain sense of decency seems to be lacking here.

    Reply

  4. January 30, 2019 at 5:48 am, Deb said:

    As a female, I’m very suspicious as to why these two educated, adult women waited for years to report this conduct, if it truly happened! Neither Marchini nor Bittinger were in danger of being fired by Foote, so there goes that excuse. If anything, they had an obligation, as elected officials, and as women, to protect other women who do work for the Board, from the alleged behavior, and they didn’t. Such neglect and weakness in their leadership and caring is appalling

    They waited until an election, and suddenly felt that they must report things? Very, very strange behavior ladies. Very shady. Shame on you both. I don’t believe either of you now.

    Reply

    • January 30, 2019 at 6:09 am, Lee said:

      > Seriously, Deb–have you not read the letters or the supporting documents in the resolution? He was admonished by both the attorney and the Superintendent MULTIPLE times for his actions over the years. You are acting like these women JUST NOW reported it. When Foote opted to just blatantly ignore the reprimands and continue violating ethics, etc., what else were they supposed to do? Seems to me he’s been given many more breaks than he deserved.

      Reply

    • January 30, 2019 at 7:50 am, mike said:

      > Your ignorance is stunning, even for this area.

      Reply

    • January 30, 2019 at 12:22 pm, Jeff said:

      > Your observations are refreshing and ring true. At least to me.

      Reply

  5. January 30, 2019 at 3:19 pm, j.r. lepley said:

    instead of addressing him as ‘amigo’ foot,after reading the newspaper,should we address him as ‘booby’ foote??????

    Reply

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