While strolling by the Sheriff’s Office the other day, I spotted Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, doing an interview with WJZ-TV. Undoubtedly an update on the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Rachel Morin. His office had already posted big signs near the murder scene proclaiming “ARREST MADE.” Nothing on the signs about work done by the FBI following a DNA trail that led to the suspect’s arrest in Tulsa or that the suspect had been hiding out right here in Maryland during most of the investigation.

Perhaps Gahler put up the signs simply to reassure a nervous public. Or maybe it was more promotional in nature? “Wanted” signs are common. “We got the bad guy” signs, not so common.

With ties to Los Angeles, Tulsa, El Salvador, and possible gang connections and immigration issues, the case has the potential for giving the Sheriff access to a national stage. In an obvious play to political advantage, Donald Trump, has reportedly called the victim’s mother, expressing his sympathy. Gahler, may be eager for some of the same free publicity.

For a “rural” sheriff, he appears to be a very media savvy guy. I’ve seen him on camera regularly since moving back to the area in 2015. If he weren’t interested in the exposure, he could simply appoint a PIO (public information officer) to handle the media for him. Makes me wonder where he sees himself in ten or fifteen years?

With an advanced degree in “leadership and management” perhaps he sees himself as the County Executive, or maybe taking a run at some state office? Or maybe he feels self-promotion is critical to staying right where he is. My hunch is that he’s been bitten by the politics bug and will eventually want to “move on up.” For now, he’s the closest thing Harford County, Maryland, has to a political celebrity.

In that limelight, he might want to refrain from making too much out of the fact that the suspect, Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez, was in the country illegally. Turns out Hernandez had tried crossing the border three times before getting in, only to be arrested by Border Patrol agents and sent packing.

(Orignally published on 6/21 on Workingreporter/Facebook)