OSC closes Hatch Act complaint against Chris Weaver

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has closed a complaint alleging Monroe County Chief Deputy Christopher Weaver violated the federal Hatch Act during his 2026 campaign for Monroe County sheriff.

In a letter dated Aug. 7, 2026, the agency said it determined the Hatch Act did not cover Weaver because his involvement with federally funded programs at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was too limited for the law to apply.

The complaint alleged Weaver violated the law by having sheriff’s office staff participate in a campaign parade and by using his position as chief deputy to influence the election through social media comments referring to his access to nonpublic information about his opponent.

The OSC said it did not investigate those allegations or determine whether they would have violated the Hatch Act. Instead, the agency first examined whether Weaver was subject to the law.

The Hatch Act limits certain political activities by state and local government employees whose jobs are connected to federally funded programs. The law prohibits covered employees from using their official authority to influence an election or from directing or coercing political activity.

According to the letter, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office receives federal funding through programs that reimburse the county for bulletproof vests and through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.

The agency found Weaver had little involvement with either program.

The letter states that a sheriff’s office sergeant handles applications for the bulletproof vest reimbursement program. Requests for SCAAP funding required the sheriff’s signature and approval by county committees and the Monroe County Board.

Although Weaver participates in budget discussions and conversations about how grant money may be used, the OSC said he is not responsible for preparing grant applications, completing paperwork or signing funding requests.

Based on those findings, the agency concluded Weaver’s involvement with federally funded activities was too minor for the Hatch Act to apply.

Because the law did not apply, the OSC said it did not investigate the allegations and “made no determination as to whether such activity would have violated the Hatch Act.”

OSC closed the case without further action.