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Court Orders Confirmed For DNR Tracking Devices

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Attorney General's office has confirmed that the Department of Natural Resources sought court orders allowing the placement of tracking devices on the boats of watermen.

State lawmakers had asked the department to provide evidence that DNR acted lawfully in its investigation into possible natural resources violations.

The Star Democrat of Easton reported Monday that a letter sent earlier this month by Deputy Attorney General John B. Howard Jr. to DNR Secretary John Griffin confirms court orders were obtained.

Cecil County Delegate Michael Smigiel said he also later received a letter from Howard saying a review found Griffin had not abused his authority. However, Smigiel, who has threatened to sue over the probe, questioned why the attorney general's office would not reveal which court authorized the placement.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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