Tonya Chapman, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s choice to be the next police chief, has withdrawn her name from consideration.
Elrich wrote in a press release Tuesday afternoon that he had received a letter from Chapman that she had withdrawn.
“She brought a wealth of experience and knowledge that would have been good for the County. I wish her the best in her future endeavors,” he said.
Elrich added that he is “confident” he will be able to select a new chief soon.
One County Council source said the executive’s office informed them earlier Tuesday of Chapman’s decision.
Chapman’s decision comes more than a month after she became the de facto nominee, because the only other finalist withdrew. However, her name was never officially sent to the County Council for approval, a step required before the County Council formally could interview her.
County Council members met informally with Chapman just prior to the start of the council’s monthlong recess this month.
Chapman, who most recently served as the police chief in Portsmouth, Va., became the lone finalist on July 17 after Takoma Park Police Chief Antonio DeVaul withdrew his name from consideration.
Elrich was tasked with naming a successor after former Police Chief Tom Manger retired in April after 15 years on the job.
Elrich began the chief selection process this summer with more than 20 candidates. The interview process included several rounds of interviews with the County Council staff, executive staff and other community members.
Among the final four candidates chosen was Acting Police Chief Marcus Jones. Elrich decided against Jones, he said, because he wanted a police chief from outside Montgomery County.
Chapman came under scrutiny in recent weeks due to controversies associated with her three years as the chief in Portsmouth, which included a dispute over the terms she left the department there.
This month, the Montgomery County Council sent a list of more than 40 questions to Elrich seeking more information about Chapman’s background.
This story will be updated
Dan Schere can be reached at Daniel.schere@moco360.media
