Is Baltimore the most corrupt city in America?

The Baltimore Sun ^ | April 17,2009 | Justin Fenton

[TET1968]

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Indictments reveal prison crime world Officers, inmates charged in drugs, extortion

By Justin Fenton | justin.fenton@baltsun.com April 17, 2009 The court records read like a scene out of Goodfellas: From their prison cells and with the help of corrections staff, authorities say, members of a violent gang were feasting on salmon and shrimp, sipping Grey Goose vodka and puffing fine cigars - all while directing drug deals, extorting protection money from other inmates and arranging attacks on witnesses and rival gang members.

A seven-month investigation that included wiretaps on contraband prison cell phones led to the indictment on drug and weapons charges of 24 people - including four state prison officers - who authorities believe are leaders or associates of the Black Guerrilla Family prison gang, officials announced Thursday.

A search warrant outlines how gang members were able to obtain heroin, direct hits on enemies through so-called "Death Angels" and conduct cell phone conference calls to arrange business with inmates around the state.

"It's not enough just to catch the bad guys and get them convicted and sent to prison," said Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. "We need to make sure that while they're in prison, they're isolated and not able to carry on and continue their gang activities."

[SandRat]

Washington DC is the most corrupt, it has to be, its got the Federal Government in it.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Not sure Washington D.C. is the most corrupt, but it has to be tops in wasting Federal Money.

[Nateman]

Washington DC is the most corrupt...

I knew somebody else would figure it out before I could post!

[TET1968]

When Homicide, Life On The Street, the black & white version, first appeared on TV, there were only a few brave pioneers willing to move into some old converted factory buildings on Boston Street.

As soon as the show ended, Harbor Condo and rehab demand went through the roof. :) I still think Barry Levenson shorted development stocks during ‘Homicide’s run”.

[LiberConservative]

More corrupt than Detroit, Chicago or DC?

[bert]

Regarding Homicide, Life on the Street..... Does Luther Mahoney remind you of any one? His looks? His actions?

Luther Mahoney is alive and well and President of the United States.

[Louis Foxwell]

I grew up in Bawlmer, love the O’s and the Ravens, but would never move back...

Agreed. Government and corporate corruption drove me out of the city 20 years ago. The last clean mayor was Theodore McKeldin who nominated Ike at the Pubbie convention twice. He was the Prez's choice for Veep but Nixon and his cronies found Ted too clean by half. Later the gov, the man was a wonder.

[elpadre]

Baltimore is in the top five. Top position goes to Chicago.

[A_Former_Democrat]

All Republicans I presume?

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Maryland “Freak State” PING!

[Albion Wilde]

The number one for corruption has to be Washington, DC - especially when the Senate and House are in session.

Ding ding ding ding ding! We have a winner!

[Albion Wilde]

Stands for what? “I Am Tired Of Full-Time”? LOL!!

[bmwcyle]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Albion Wilde]

The Wire. Great show. Gives a scary look at B’more.

I read a news story years ago that attributed, to the first TV run of "Seinfeld" show ('89 - '98), a lower crime rate and more confidence among the New York City public for going out at night. The show displayed people of all ages enjoying the sidewalks, theaters, stores, restaurants, etc -- the city was a positive character in the show. Giuliani's tenure ('94 - '01) was responsible for a huge improvement; but the article implied that the improvements began earlier.

Other studies have shown, and it's only logical, that negative media images also breed more fear and crime. Most shows in which the city is a character are horrifying.

Cold Case = Philadelphia
CSI New York
CSI Miami (it has become terribly violent)
Flashpoint = Toronto
Law and Order = NY
Southland = LA
Sopranos = Northern NJ

[the OlLine Rebel]

Well, maybe 2nd beyond Chicago (take that, Obama). Or, 3rd, adding in Detroit....

[fieldmarshaldj]

They had crooked Mayors before 1955.

[maica]

Baltimore City Hall spent almost a million dollars a few years ago for an advertising campaign to promote tourism, which used the slogan “get in on it.”

Now we know exactly what they were advertising: deal making and corruption.

[fleagle]

That's interesting. I lived in NYC during much of Rudy's time and I'll tell ya, the man accomplished some remarkable things in that city. It was a pleasure to live there at that time.

And I can see how a show like Seinfeld would help. It was a great show and made people interested not just in the characters, but in the city as well. After watching way too many episodes of The Wire, I'd consider moving to Baltimore about at much as I'd consider moving to Trenton...or Camden...or North Philly...so I can also see how shows like that may be chock full of gritty realism, but there is a price the city pays for that.

[IMTOFT]

That’s good - and also true! “I’m Too Old For This” (with the ‘S%^T’ implied...)

[ArrogantBustard]

Baltimordor.