As rumors swirled around City Hall about the abrupt departure of Anthony McCarthy, a key aide to Mayor Sheila Dixon, the mayor herself declined to elaborate on the statement released Monday saying she was shocked by the allegations against her communications director.
“It?s the only word I could think of that described it,” the mayor said in an interview Tuesday at City Hall.
“That was how I felt when I heard about it,” she added, declining to comment further or release any details on the nature of the allegations.
The mayor placed McCarthy on administrative leave Monday after Baltimore County police said they were investigating him for inappropriate behavior. Dixon?s statement called for a “fair” investigation.
Baltimore County police, meanwhile, continued to be tight-lipped about the allegations.
“We have received a complaint from an individual for inappropriate behavior, and we are investigating,” police spokesman Bill Toohey said. “It?s very, very early in the process.”
Toohey said police received the complaint last week but have yet to interview McCarthy.
“We want to ask informed questions,” Toohey said.
Pundits said Dixon?s comments hinted the allegations might have some validity.
“You assume given his relationship with the mayor he has a strong presumption of innocence,” said Richard Vatz, professor of political science at Towson University.
“Unless she is somewhat sure that this is a valid accusation, her comments could be seen otherwise irresponsible,” Vatz said. “I would be very pessimistic regarding his welfare.”
