$105M Lawsuit Settled: Charles County Administrator Ends Federal Case Against Commissioners

GREENBELT, Md. — A $105 million federal lawsuit filed by Charles County Administrator Mark Belton against the Charles County Board of Commissioners and other defendants has been settled, according to court filings.

On March 30, 2026, an attorney representing Charles County notified the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland that the case had been resolved and requested the court issue a settlement order, formally closing the matter.

The lawsuit, filed on December 11, 2025, included a 14-count complaint seeking $105 million in damages. The complaint named the Charles County Board of Commissioners and additional defendants, including individuals identified in both official and personal capacities.

Court documents show that after summons were issued, attorneys for the county and the Board of Commissioners began preliminary settlement discussions on behalf of all defendants. Mediation in the case was scheduled for February 27, 2026.

On March 26, 2026, Belton dismissed one of the claims — breach of contract — without prejudice, meaning the claim could be refiled in the future. The remaining claims in the lawsuit remained active at that time.

Four days later, on March 30, counsel for the county informed the court that a settlement had been reached, signaling an end to the litigation pending formal court approval.

The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed in court filings.

The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

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