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Michael A. Jackson (politician)

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For other people named Michael Jackson, see Michael Jackson (disambiguation).

Michael Jackson
Jackson in 2019
Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 27th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 13, 2021
Preceded byMike Miller
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 27B district
In office
January 14, 2015 – January 13, 2021
Preceded byMark N. Fisher
Succeeded byRachel Jones
Sheriff of Prince George's County
In office
December 2, 2002 – December 6, 2010
Preceded byAlonzo Black
Succeeded byMelvin High
Personal details
Born
Michael Angelo Jackson

(1964-03-29) March 29, 1964 (age 60)
Cheverly, Maryland, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseKim Jackson
EducationDeVry University (BS)
Johns Hopkins University (MS)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Marine Corps
Years of service1982–1985
UnitUnited States Marine Corps Reserve

Michael Angelo Jackson (born March 29, 1964)[1] is a member of the Maryland Senate representing District 27 in Calvert, Charles and Prince George's counties.[1] Jackson was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 27B in Calvert and Prince George's counties from January 2015 to January 2021.[1][2] Jackson is also the former Sheriff of Prince George's County, Maryland.

Early life and education

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Jackson was born on March 29, 1964. He attended Crossland High School in Temple Hills, Maryland. From 1982 to 1985, Jackson served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In 1986, he received his Bachelor of Science in electronic engineering technology from the DeVry Institute of Technology and graduated from the PELP (Police Executive Leadership Program) master's program at Johns Hopkins University.[1]

Career

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Sheriff of Prince George's County

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After joining the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office, Jackson became the Fraternal Order of Police 112/DSA union president.[3][4] In 2002, then a corporal, Jackson won the election for county sheriff by a narrow margin against the incumbent sheriff, Alonzo D. Black II.[5] Jackson was also the President of the Maryland Sheriff's Association until his retirement in 2010.[6][7][8] Jackson is a member of the American Legion post 275; is a member of the Moose Lodge 453 and the Mitchellville Kiwanis Club.[1] His 2010 campaign for County Executive of Prince George's County was unsuccessful when he lost to Rushern Baker.[9]

Jackson's department created the first 24-hour domestic-violence unit in the State of Maryland.[10] He is a recipient of the 2008 Victims' Rights Caucus Award, and the Allied Profession Award.[1] In 2007, he also received the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.[1][11] His department also received the 2007 Governor's Award.[12]

Pursuant to Maryland Common Law, Jackson's position as the elected sheriff made him the senior law enforcement official of his jurisdiction and his authority superseded all others within the county.[13] Jackson, a Democrat, served for two terms, from 2002 to 2010. The area that he served contains an estimated 820,852 residents,[14] holds the Washington Redskins Stadium (Fedex Field, the largest stadium in the NFL[15]), the University of Maryland, College Park, and the National Harbor.[16] Although violent crimes had dropped since 2006, in 2007, Prince George's County reported over 130 homicides, the highest rate of any county in Maryland.[17][18][19]

Berwyn Heights mayor's residence drug raid

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Main article: Berwyn Heights, Maryland mayor's residence drug raid

In July 2008, Jackson's agency, investigating a drug-smuggling ring, raided a private residence in Berwyn Heights, Maryland, handcuffing and interrogating those inside, and shooting two dogs. Almost immediately afterward, the home was revealed to be that of Cheye Calvo, the mayor of Berwyn Heights. The incident ignited much local and national controversy, with allegations of excessive force, civil rights violations, and failure to co-ordinate with the Berwyn Heights Police Department.

Jackson spoke at a number of press conferences following the incident, in defense of his department's role in the raid.[20] Despite the controversy, the department did not officially clear the Calvos of wrongdoing until 2010. While an internal investigation by the Sheriff's department claimed to have found no wrongdoing, and Sheriff Jackson publicly praised the officers involved, a lawsuit was filed, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is monitoring the situation, as part of a civil rights review requested by the Calvos.[21] In addition, Maryland Senator Thomas V. "Mike" Miller said, "The people of Prince George's County demand better" and also stated that he pleaded with Jackson to make an adequate apology for the incident. It took more than a year for Sheriff Jackson to offer any kind of apology whatsoever.[22]

In August 2010 while campaigning to be elected county executive, Jackson stated, "We've apologized for the incident, but we will never apologize for taking drugs off our streets," adding "Quite frankly, we'd do it again. Tonight."[23] Prince George's County settled the lawsuit in 2011, paying an undisclosed sum to Calvo, and agreeing to create new regulations on the treatment of animals and the deployment of SWAT teams.[24]

Family dog killed while serving eviction notice

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Two years after the raid on Mayor Calvo's residence, a deputy in Jackson's department shot and killed a family dog while serving an eviction notice. The deputy was allegedly supposed to wait for animal control to arrive but failed to follow proper procedures for serving an eviction. As a result, another county resident, Donna Williams of Forest Heights, was the latest victim of what Mayor Calvo said, "is part of a pattern".[25] According to county spokeswoman Sergeant Yakeisha Hines, "the only reason Animal Control is asked to be on scene, is to take possession of the dog after the family is evicted". In this case, Sheriff Jackson's agency was not evicting Donna Williams, but only serving her with an eviction notice.[26] Donna Williams indicated that she did not believe they knocked. When asked for comment, spokeswoman Hines merely stated, "That's her opinion". Williams was hospitalized for post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, Williams said Jackson told her that he was sorry but that his deputies "did what they had to". Even before an internal investigation by the department was completed, Sheriff Jackson said the deputy in question "did the right thing".[27]

Campaign treasurer indicted for union embezzlement

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Jackson testified in August 2010 that one year before his campaign treasurer was accused of embezzlement from the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge, he had rejected the union president's requests that he review evidence of the alleged embezzlement. After his treasurer was indicted, Jackson suspended her with pay from her Sheriff's department position. When asked whether it was permissible to steal union funds, Jackson stated, "I have no opinion on that."[28][29]

Maryland Delegate

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Jackson was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in November 2014 and was sworn in January 2015. He was assigned to the Appropriations committee and serves on its Public Safety and Administration and its Oversight on Pensions sub-committees. In 2019 he was selected to be the House chair of the Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Biotechnology. He was the chairman of the Prince George's County Delegation and a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.[30] Jackson resigned from his seat on January 13, 2021, to accept appointment to the state senate.[31]

Maryland Senator

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Jackson in the Budget and Taxation Committee, 2024

Jackson was appointed to the Maryland Senate by Governor Larry Hogan on January 13, 2021, to replace Mike Miller, who resigned on December 23, 2020.[1][32][33]

Maryland Question 1

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During the 2023 legislative session, Jackson was the only Democrat in the Maryland General Assembly who voted against Question 1, a voter referendum that established a right to reproductive freedom in the Constitution of Maryland.[34]

Personal life

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Jackson is married to Kim Jackson and has one child.[1][35]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Michael A. Jackson, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  2. ^ "Michael A. Jackson - Maryland Delegate". OpenStates.org. Open States. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  3. ^ Stockwell, Jamie (September 7, 2002). "Shootings Intensify Sheriff's Race". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024. Cpl. Michael Jackson (D), the head of the deputies' union
  4. ^ Stockwell, Jamie (September 6, 2002). "Until End, a 'Dedicated' Deputy". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024. Cpl. Mike Jackson, head of the county's sheriff's association
  5. ^ "Prince George's sheriff celebrates first year". The Washington Times. January 8, 2004. Archived from the original on March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  6. ^ "Meet the Sheriffs". Maryland Sheriff's Association. Archived from the original on August 27, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2007.
  7. ^ "Sheriffs, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. March 14, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  8. ^ "Melvin C. High, Sheriff, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. November 29, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  9. ^ Spivack, Miranda S. (September 16, 2010). "Rushern Baker's victory suggests wish for change in Prince George's". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  10. ^ Madden, Marty (November 1, 2015). "Domestic violence survivors 'celebrate' themselves". TheBayNet. Hollywood, Maryland: Logan Ventures, LLC. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  11. ^ "Prince George's County Sheriff Michael A. Jackson Selected as Law Enforcement Person of the Year" (PDF) (Press release). Office of the Sheriff, Prince George's County, Maryland. October 15, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2008. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  12. ^ "Prince George's County Sheriff's Office wins Governor's Award" (PDF) (Press release). Office of the Sheriff, Prince George's County, Maryland. October 15, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2008. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  13. ^ 2006-2007 Edition Maryland Criminal Laws & Motor Vehicle Handbook with Related Statutes including Legal Guidelines, (c) 2006 Gould Publications
  14. ^ "Prince George's County, Maryland - Population Finder". American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  15. ^ "FedEx Field-Washington Redskins". Stadiums of the NFL. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009.
  16. ^ "Contact Information". National Harbor Home Page. Archived from the original on July 1, 2008.
  17. ^ Valentine, Daniel (December 20, 2007). "County homicides top count from 2006". The Gazette. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  18. ^ Rondeaux, Candace (April 25, 2007). "Homicide Rate Soars In Year's First Quarter". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  19. ^ Shewfelt, Scott (April 24, 2007). "Baltimore, Prince George's Reign as State's Murder Capitals". CNS Maryland. Capital News Service. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  20. ^ Witt, April (February 1, 2009). "Deadly Force". The Washington Post. pp. W08. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  21. ^ Helderman, Rosalind S.; Davis, Aaron C. (August 7, 2008). "FBI to Review Raid That Killed Mayor's Dogs". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 8, 2008.
  22. ^ Valentine, Daniel (August 27, 2010). "Majority of Prince George's senators back Baker". The Gazette. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  23. ^ Valentine, Daniel (August 5, 2010). "Prince George's county executive candidates defend their records". The Gazette. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  24. ^ Valentine, Daniel (January 24, 2011). "Prince George's County settles Calvo suit". The Gazette. Archived from the original on February 4, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  25. ^ Castaneda, Ruben (August 7, 2010). "Sheriff's deputy serving eviction notice fatally shoots Md. family's dog". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  26. ^ Mastis, Lindsey (August 9, 2010). "Mayor Questions Sheriff Over Shooting Death of Rottweiler". WUSA 9. Archived from the original on August 17, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  27. ^ Castaneda, Ruben (August 10, 2010). "Prince George's Co. deputy shoots, kills dog during eviction". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  28. ^ Castaneda, Ruben (August 14, 2010). "Pr. George's sheriff says he declined to review evidence in alleged embezzlement". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  29. ^ Michael A. Jackson (August 2, 2010). Jackson Disposition. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved August 14, 2010.
  30. ^ "Members - Delegate Michael A. Jackson". Maryland General Assembly. State of Maryland.
  31. ^ "Maryland House of Delegates, Appointments by Governor to". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  32. ^ "Maryland Senate, Appointments by Governor to". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  33. ^ "Members - Senator Michael A. Jackson". Maryland General Assembly. State of Maryland.
  34. ^ "Voting Report - HB705" (PDF). Maryland General Assembly. March 31, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  35. ^ "Michael Jackson gets sworn in". Southern Maryland News. January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021. Michael A. Jackson (D-Prince George's, Charles, Calvert), center, is sworn in by Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore city), left, while accompanied by his wife, Kim Jackson, right.
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