🕵️♂️ “The Less You Show, the More We Need to See”: Fred Homan’s Allegations Against Johnny Olszewski Jr.
By Barry O’Connell
September 6, 2025
In a rare public rebuke before the Baltimore County Council, former Chief Administrative Officer Fred Homan accused County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. of orchestrating a cover-up involving a secret $83,000 payment to retired firefighter Philip Tirabassi. The payment, Homan claims, was made under a false name and in violation of Maryland law and county protocols.
🔍 The Tirabassi Affair: What We Know
The controversy centers on a monetary settlement between Baltimore County and Tirabassi, who had previously worked for Baltimore City and sought to transfer his retirement credits to the county system. After his request was denied, Tirabassi appealed and ultimately received a confidential payout from the county.
Homan’s lawsuit under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) sought thousands of emails and internal records related to the settlement. A Circuit Court judge ruled in March 2024 that the county had “wrongfully withheld” key documents, including the settlement agreement itself. The judge rejected the county’s argument that confidentiality provisions justified withholding the records, stating that such provisions “are not a basis for withholding” under Maryland law.
🧾 The Council Confrontation
In July 2024, Homan appeared before the County Council during a work session to oppose an additional $200,000 allocation for legal fees to the Baker Donelson law firm, which had already received $350,000 to defend the county in the PIA suit. He accused the administration of using public funds to obstruct transparency:
> “That’s the reason why the Olszewski administration] wants more money. They’re trying to stop people from finding out what they did and why they did it.” — Fred Homan[
He implored council members to question the legality and ethics of the payment, warning that silence would make them “complicit.” The council responded with stony silence and unanimously approved the additional funding without debate.
⚖️ What’s Provable So Far
- A Circuit Court judge ruled that Baltimore County improperly withheld documents and ordered their release.
- The $83,000 payment to be was confirmed and described by multiple sources as lacking transparency and justification.
- The county has continued to redact and withhold documents, prompting further legal action from Homan’s attorney.
🧠 Why It Matters
This case is not just about one payment—it’s about the integrity of public institutions and the mechanisms citizens have to hold them accountable. Homan’s challenge, while unusual for a former insider, underscores the fragility of transparency when legal settlements and confidentiality clauses are used to shield public actions from scrutiny.
As David Plymyer wrote in a scathing editorial:
> “The payment of $83,675 to retired county firefighter Philip Tirabassi by the administration of Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski fails the smell test, and Olszewski’s explanation of the reason for the payment fails the laugh test.”
🧭 Final Thoughts
Whether Homan’s allegations rise to the level of criminal misconduct remains to be seen. But the legal rulings and council’s silence suggest a troubling pattern: one where secrecy trumps accountability, and where whistleblowers must fight uphill battles just to make public records public.
📚 Annotated Footnotes
1. Baltimore Brew, “Olszewski administration seeks $200,000 more in battle over public information records,” July 1, 2024. Baltimore Brew article
2. Baltimore Sun via FOP Lodge 4, “Baltimore County improperly withheld some documents sought by former official, judge says,” March 13, 2024. FOP Lodge 4 summary
3. CityBiz, “A Look Behind the Curtain at the Johnny Olszewski Administration in Action,” August 5, 2024. CityBiz editorial