Garmey Law attorney Ali Garmey Chardon is representing three veteran Oxford County Sheriff’s Office employees who filed complaints with the Maine Human Rights Commission alleging whistleblower retaliation by Oxford County Sheriff Christopher Wainwright and others.
Sergeant Timothy Ontengco, Corporal Richard Murray, and Detective Lieutenant Justin Brown allege they faced retaliation after reporting conduct they believed was unlawful or improper and cooperating with an investigation directed by the Oxford County Board of Commissioners. Together, the three men have dedicated approximately seven decades of public service to Oxford County and the State of Maine.
The complaints, filed with the Maine Human Rights Commission on August 28, 2026, allege violations of the Maine Whistleblowers’ Protection Act. The allegations have since received media attention, including reporting from the Bangor Daily News.
Complaints Allege Retaliation Following Reports of Misconduct
According to the complaints, all three officers reported concerns about Sheriff Wainwright’s conduct and later cooperated with an investigation commissioned by the Oxford County Board of Commissioners. That investigation ultimately led the Board to petition Gov. Janet Mills in February 2024 to remove Wainwright from office. Mills found that Wainwright had acted unprofessionally but declined to remove him, concluding that Oxford County voters should ultimately decide whether he remained in office.
The officers allege that they subsequently experienced a pattern of retaliation that included unwarranted internal investigations, GPS surveillance, unpaid suspensions and demotions. According to the complaints, each officer had a lengthy career with the Sheriff’s Office without a disciplinary history before the alleged retaliation began.
The complaints further allege that the officers sought assistance from Oxford County officials and requested an independent investigation into their treatment, but that their requests were repeatedly denied.
Ali Garmey Chardon, who represents the three complainants, said:
“Our clients went into law enforcement because they care deeply about fair treatment under the law for everyone, without regard to personal connections. They are simply asking for that fair treatment, but instead are being punished for reporting misconduct. That’s neither fair nor legal, and it doesn’t represent a professional law enforcement culture.”
The Bangor Daily News reported that Brown is also challenging Wainwright in the November 3 sheriff’s election. Attorney Michael Cunniff, who is representing the officers alongside Chardon, told the BDN that Brown had begun seeking protection from alleged retaliation in 2025, before the 2026 election process began.
Bangor Daily News Reports on Whistleblower Complaints
The Bangor Daily News reported on the complaints on September 24, detailing allegations made by Ontengco, Murray, and Brown as well as their prior efforts to raise concerns with county officials.
The allegations have not been adjudicated. The Maine Human Rights Commission is expected to investigate the complaints through its administrative process. Oxford County Administrator Zane Loper, speaking on behalf of the county commissioners, told the BDN that the commissioners “take these complaints seriously” and declined further comment.
Garmey Law represents individuals throughout Maine in complex civil matters, including discrimination cases. Ali Garmey Chardon is a trial attorney with experience representing plaintiffs in state and federal courts in Maine and beyond. To learn more about Ali and her work, visit her attorney profile, or contact Garmey Law for more information.