Marc Yamada resigns as Montgomery County Police Chief

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich requested the resignation of Police Chief Marc Yamada following an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Yamada’s resignation was effective September 18, with Assistant Chief Darren Francke appointed as acting chief.

The OIG investigation into an unnamed MCPD executive substantiated allegations of misconduct regarding leave and attendance. Investigators found that between July 2024 and July 2026, the executive failed to record leave despite being unavailable during regular work hours for at least five days, totaling 40 hours. The report noted that while the position was exempt from certain County Personnel Regulations, the absences violated an MCPD directive requiring employees to take leave when absent from duty.

The investigation also scrutinized the executive’s attendance at a police foundation golf tournament during working hours. The executive acknowledged consuming approximately two alcoholic beverages at the event, stating he attended in a private capacity. Elrich expressed specific concern regarding the accuracy of the Chief’s statements made to the Inspector General during the course of the investigation.