The former Cecil County executive is speaking publicly after a disturbing voicemail from 2023 surfaced online this month, containing graphic and violent sexual comments allegedly made by members of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office while she was still in office – remarks she says left her feeling violated and exposed.
Danielle Robinson, formerly Danielle Hornberger when she held office from 2020 through 2024, said hearing the recording for the first time only days ago was emotionally jarring.
“I feel completely violated and completely exposed,” Robinson said during an exclusive interview with Spotlight on Maryland at her Aberdeen home.
The roughly five-minute voicemail includes explicit sexual language and threats of violence directed at Robinson, who is 44. In one portion of the recording, a man can be heard describing plans to sexually “brutalize” her in graphic terms at the Fraternal Order of Police lodge.
Asked how she interpreted the comments, Robinson said, “I define it as rape. They want to hurt me.”
The voicemail dates back to 2023, when Robinson was serving as the Republican county executive. It was allegedly recorded as the result of an accidental phone call, or “butt dial,” not intended for Robinson but for another individual who requested anonymity. The recording was posted on social media this month by the Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group.
“This is not locker room talk. This is not boys being boys,” Robinson added. “That’s so scary anyone thinks like that.”
Robinson said she first heard the audio only days ago and was not involved in its release.
“I did not put this out there. I did not want this put out there,” she said. “It makes me feel vulnerable in a way I don’t think anybody should have to feel.”
Robinson said she immediately recognized the voices that described sexual violence against her and believes the voicemail was recorded on the same day she encountered those individuals at a county event. She said the men later invited her to the Fraternal Order of Police lodge — the same location referenced in the voicemail where they said she would be sexually “brutalized.”
“I worked with them professionally. I knew them,” Robinson said. “They’re not my friends. We don’t hang out. When they asked, ‘You want to go back to the lodge?’ It felt weird then I didn’t think it was this kind of talk.”
The conversation is allegedly between four high-ranking employees of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office. Robinson said all four individuals are still employed by the county.
Robinson lives a much quieter lifestyle now than when she was county executive, living in a waterfront development with her husband and puppy. “I don’t want to make this [voicemail] about politics or about my term.” Robinson said she wants a private life now.
The sheriff’s office said Friday that the Maryland State Police will conduct an independent investigation into the matter. Robinson said the sheriff contacted her this week to apologize.
Robinson said she previously had a positive working relationship with law enforcement but said the recording revealed something deeper about those involved. She added that she always supported law enforcement, even during the “defund the police” movement following the 2020 deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
“This is less about what I did while in office,” she said. “This is about a look into people with power and what their true nature is — what they really think.”
The voicemail surfaced as the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office faces broader scrutiny over what current and former employees have described as a toxic and hostile work environment. The Baltimore Sun has reported on a so-called “Christmas list” that allegedly circulated within the department, featuring anonymous comments mocking employees’ sex lives, health, disabilities and other personal matters. Some comments referenced alleged affairs, unstable relationships, use-of-force incidents and inappropriate relationships with minors.
Asked what consequences should follow for the individuals heard on the voicemail, Robinson said disciplinary action is warranted.
“They should be suspended without pay while the investigation takes place,” she said. “They should lose their job.”
Spotlight on Maryland is a collaboration between FOX45 News, WJLA in Washington, D.C., and The Baltimore Sun. Have a story tip? Email spotlightonmaryland@sbgtv.com or call 410-467-4670. Investigative reporter Tessa Bentulan can be reached at tbentulan@sbgtv.com.
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