Michael Kaspereen News Today

Oxford County commissioners in February asked Gov. Janet Mills to remove Oxford County Sheriff Christopher Wainwright.

Monday's hearing on whether to oust Christopher Wainwright was historic as efforts to remove elected sheriffs are rare in Maine.

Asked if the sheriff would remain on duty during this process and during the time the governor considers the request, Commissioner David Duguay said he would. 'Unfortunately, that’s the way the statute is, the law is, it’s a constitutional office.'

Christopher Wainwright will remain on duty because he is an elected officer under the state Constitution.

Christopher Wainwright will remain on duty because he is an elected officer under the state Constitution.

The commission has no authority to suspend or fire Wainwright, who was first elected sheriff in 2018. Maine statute dictates that only the governor has that power.

The commission has no authority to suspend or fire Wainwright, who was first elected sheriff in 2018. Maine statute dictates that only the governor has that power.

The commission has no authority to suspend or fire Wainwright, who was first elected sheriff in 2018. Maine statute dictates that only the governor has that power.

Retired state police sergeants Percy Turner and Michael Kaspereen have obtained certifications.

School resource officers are supposed to be law enforcement vested with the power to make arrests, according to Maine law.