No Permit for Gun Raffle

2:32 pm: Update to reflect Sheriff Jenkins' comments.

According to county records, Sen. Michael Hough (R) is operating a political fundraiser without a permit. He recently sold raffle tickets for an AR15 semi automatic rifle to raise money for his next election bid. The winner is to be selected Monday, Jan. 23.

Tickets sold for $5, and the maximum number of tickets an individual can buy is 10. Holding a raffle without a permit is subject to a $500 fine.

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins requested information about Hough's permit, according to documents obtained by The Frederick Extra. Apparently the Sheriff called the county's permitting services office on Jan. 11, and asked for clarification of raffle permits. In a Jan. 11 email response Coordinator of Permitting Services Ashlye Bonomo sent the Sheriff a copy of the regulations and promised him information they'd discussed by phone earlier.

Regulations stipulate that organizations holding a raffle in Frederick County must have nonprofit status. To sell tickets in Frederick County, Hough was required to file an application and pay a $50 fee, or have an annual raffle permit already on file with the Frederick County Department of Planning and Permits. The permit allows the permit holder to organize four raffles annually. The permit also requires the raffle holder to submit a report summarizing ticket sales raffle.

"My interpretation is that he is in violation of the law, but according to him [Hough] he's exempt," Jenkins said in an interview.

Jenkins said he contacted Hough last week about his concerns, and sent Hough a copy of the laws regulating raffles in Frederick County. Jenkins said Hough told him Maryland's "GOP attorney" said state law allows Hough to hold the raffle. Until someone files a formal complaint about the potential violation, there's nothing Jenkins can do.

A call to Hough was not immediately returned. More as the story develops.