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Resident alleges false police reports and FOIA obstruction, asks Penobscot County for accountability
Summary
Peter Valenzan told commissioners he has repeatedly been the subject of police reports he calls false, said he has county video and FOIA records that contradict those reports, and asked for a written follow-up; county officials pledged a written clarifying report but said personnel matters would be handled outside public session.
Peter Valenzan addressed the Penobscot County commissioners on May 6, saying he has repeatedly been reported to law enforcement when visiting county facilities and that the reports mischaracterize his conduct. "I have the video ... the video doesn't lie," he said, asserting that county staff filed police reports alleging aggressive behavior that the footage does not support.
Valenzan told the board he had filed complaints and obtained records via Freedom of Information requests that, he said, show county statements are inconsistent with his conduct. He recounted multiple incidents he dated to Feb. 27 and other meetings where officers were called when he attended meetings or attempted to retrieve records.
He called for the immediate firing of the HR/finance employee he named in his remarks and said the episodes have harmed his reputation with the sheriff's office. County officials responded that if an employee perceives conduct as threatening, that perception can justify a police report; the county administrator stressed a duty to protect staff and said personnel matters would not be resolved in public session.
The board agreed to supply Valenzan a written clarification within two weeks about the prior meeting record he referenced; commissioners also said any formal personnel action would follow internal procedures and would not be made on the public record at the meeting.
Why it matters: The exchange highlights a citizen complaint about county recordkeeping, police reporting and FOIA access and shows commissioners pledging a written follow‑up while preserving personnel‑process confidentiality.
Next step: Commissioners directed staff to prepare a written clarification to be delivered to Valenzan within approximately two weeks; any personnel investigations will be handled administratively.
