Howard County sheriff accused of discrimination vows to stay on job

COLUMBIA, Md. (AP) -- Howard County Sheriff James Fitzgerald says he will not resign amid accusations of discrimination and harassment against his employees.

Fitzgerald held a news conference Thursday and announced he intends to continue to stay in office.

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman is now seeking ways in which Fitzgerald could be impeached and has asked the county's top lawmakers in Annapolis to investigate the possibility.

Kittleman asked Fitzgerald to resign in a letter last week after the county's Office of Human Rights determined that a former sheriff's lieutenant was "subjected to a severe and pervasive workplace environment" for not supporting Fitzgerald's political campaign.

Fitzgerald is also accused of making derogatory comments about African Americans, women and Jews.

On Thursday, Fitzgerald called the report "humbling, hurtful and disappointing for all involved."