Former Cecil County Executive Danielle Robinson has publicly addressed a deeply troubling voicemail that surfaced online, containing graphic and violent sexual comments allegedly made by members of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office. The voicemail, recorded in 2023, emerged this month and has left Robinson feeling both violated and exposed.
Robinson, who served as the county executive from 2020 to 2024, described her reaction to the recording in an exclusive interview with Spotlight on Maryland. “I feel completely violated and completely exposed,” Robinson stated, recalling her emotional response upon hearing the voicemail for the first time just days ago.
Graphic Content and Allegations
The roughly five-minute voicemail features explicit sexual language and threats directed at Robinson, now 44. One segment of the recording includes a man graphically detailing plans to sexually “brutalize” her at the Fraternal Order of Police lodge. Robinson interpreted these comments as an expression of intent to commit sexual violence. “I define it as rape. They want to hurt me,” she asserted.
Other disturbing comments include remarks such as, “We’re getting our d**** rubbed by Danielle Hornberger,” and, “Have you ever had your p**** and b******* stuffed at one time?” Robinson condemned the conversation, stating, “This is not locker room talk. This is not boys being boys. That’s so scary anyone thinks like that.”
The voicemail was reportedly the result of an accidental phone call, or “butt dial,” intended for another individual. It was shared on social media by the Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group, with Robinson clarifying that she was not involved in its release. “I did not put this out there. I did not want this put out there,” she emphasized.
Robinson’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
Robinson noted that she recognized the voices of the men involved, all of whom are still employed within the county. She recalled that the voicemail was recorded on the same day she encountered these individuals at a county event. They later invited her to the lodge, where the graphic comments were made. “I worked with them professionally. I knew them,” she explained. “They’re not my friends. We don’t hang out.”
The Cecil County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday that the Maryland State Police will conduct an independent investigation into the matter. Robinson reported receiving an apology from the sheriff this week, a gesture she welcomed but noted should not distract from the gravity of the situation.
Previously, Robinson had a positive working relationship with law enforcement, but the voicemail has raised concerns about the attitudes of those involved. She highlighted the significance of the situation, stating, “This is less about what I did while in office. This is about a look into people with power and what their true nature is — what they really think.”
The voicemail’s emergence coincides with broader scrutiny of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, which has been described as having a toxic and hostile work environment. Reports from the Baltimore Sun have indicated that a so-called “Christmas list” circulated within the department, containing anonymous comments mocking employees’ personal lives and health.
When asked about potential consequences for those implicated in the voicemail, Robinson advocated for disciplinary action. “They should be suspended without pay while the investigation takes place,” she said, adding, “They should lose their job.”
As Robinson navigates this challenging chapter, she has chosen to live a quieter life, residing in a waterfront development in Aberdeen, Maryland with her husband and puppy. “I don’t want to make this [voicemail] about politics or about my term,” she remarked, emphasizing her desire for privacy.
