Oxford County sheriffs fate in Gov. Mills hands after 3 commissioners called for his removal [Video]

AUGUSTA — The removal of Sheriff Christopher Wainwright “now would not only be reasonable but is necessary or Oxford County government cannot effectively function otherwise,” Oxford County attorney Amy Dieterich said during her closing statements Wednesday in a hearing to determine whether he will be dismissed.

Wainwright, in his second term, is fighting to remain in office after Oxford County Commissioners David Duguay of Byron, Timothy Turner of Buckfield and Steven Merrill of Norway sent a detailed 10-page complaint in February to Gov. Janet Mills, asking her to remove Wainwright for his failure “to faithfully and efficiently perform the duties of his office and improperly exercised and acted outside of his legal authority.”

Former Maine Supreme Judicial Court Justice Donald G. Alexander, appointed by Mills to oversee the hearing, will write a report and give his recommendation to the governor.

The commissioners have no authority to fire or suspend Wainwright. …