LA PLATA, Md. — Legal fees tied to the lawsuit involving Charles County Commissioner Thomasina O. Coates reached $1,572,005.90, according to a review presented during a public meeting of the Charles County Board of Commissioners.
During the meeting, Deputy County Attorney Elizabeth Theobalds informed the board that the total does not include over $121,000 in appellate-related costs that remain unpaid. County Attorney Wes Adams sought and received authority to speak publicly about matters previously discussed in closed session, specifically regarding the board’s position on appellate costs. The board discussed, including in that prior closed session, that no formal vote was ever taken to authorize those appellate fees. Several commissioners argued that there had been an understanding during legal negotiations that the case would not be appealed, and they maintained that the board never approved payment for those subsequent appeal costs.
Commissioner Gilbert Bowling commented that while the board prevailed in the legal matter, the community ultimately lost due to the costs incurred. He acknowledged the toll the case has taken on both public trust and financial resources.
The lawsuit stems from a longstanding dispute between Coates and the Board of Commissioners over personnel matters related to County Administrator Mark Belton. In 2023, a judge issued a permanent injunction barring Coates from participating in any employment decisions involving Belton, citing a conflict of interest and workplace conduct concerns.
Coates later appealed the injunction, but on June 30, 2025, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals upheld the ruling. The court found that the injunction was appropriate given the circumstances and did not violate Coates’ constitutional rights as an elected official. The court specifically noted that the measure was narrowly tailored and did not prevent Coates from fulfilling her broader duties as a commissioner.
On Oct. 27, 2025, the Supreme Court of Maryland declined to hear a further appeal, effectively ending Coates’ legal challenge and leaving the injunction in place.
Despite the rulings, the lawsuit continues to draw public scrutiny due to its financial toll and the strain it has placed on county governance.
During the public comments that directly followed the board’s discussion of legal fees and appellate costs, several speakers from District 2 expressed frustration that Commissioner Coates was not present to hear their concerns. Residents questioned how unpaid appellate fees would be handled and demanded assurance that taxpayers would not be responsible. Some also called for the board to take action on County Administrator Mark Belton’s future—urging that he either resign or be removed—and requested clarity on how the board intends to move forward following the legal disputes.
Watch the full Nov. 18 Board of Commissioners meeting on CCGTV: Click here to view
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She is such a piece of trash. The taxpayers have already paid enough for her worthlessness.
At least Charles County can sleep believing it was for a good cause.
I’m glad! Now there’s no chance the jive 5 will ever be reelected, and maybe we’ll get some real human beings that can handle our money!!!
FIRE THAT RACIST WOMAN!
$1.6 mil because she’s not allowed to be racist bully? Why doesn’t Patterson get any blame on this either, they were in cahoots together on this. I mean apparently you only need $5k to get the council members to approve of dumb ideas.
Does Charles County have an Ethics Committee that has the power to remove Coates as a commissioner?
She should be personally responsible for the lawyers fees. This time and the current case still not settled.