Free Republic

As we’ve discussed here previously, a series of trials have been underway in Baltimore, Maryland alleging widespread corruption among members of the city’s Gun Trace Task Force. This week, the trial of two detectives associated with that unit, Daniel Hersl and Marcus Taylor, ended in convictions on serious charges which could lead to lengthy prison sentences. The details of the robberies they pulled off and the shocking abuse of police authority were stunning even to those who have seen some of the worst incidents of official corruption. (Baltimore Sun)

The judge presiding over the prosecution of six Baltimore Police officers involved in the arrest of Freddie Gray struck the state's motion for a gag order in the case. Judge Charles J. Peters ruled the motion lacked standing in an actual proceeding, as it was filed by Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby's office in Circuit Court on May 14. At that time, the officers' cases were still in District Court. They weren't transferred to Circuit Court until May 21, when the officers were indicted. Judge orders Mosby to respond to defense motions in Freddie Gray case by June 26 Judge...

In the wake of Freddie Gray’s death in police custody, arrests in Baltimore have dropped significantly. Police are no longer “arresting everybody for every little thing,” according to Baltimore City Councilman Brandon Scott, which he says “led to the underlying issues that we have been dealing with in the city.” In other words: distrust of police. But more than that, officers are “fearful at doing their jobs,” according to Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis. And that has meant they are no longer being proactive. And now, of course, we’re seeing a big spike in violence, which has some residents wishing the police...

As the number of shootings and homicides has surged in Baltimore, some police officers say they feel hesitant on the job under intense public scrutiny and in the wake of criminal charges against six officers in the Freddie Gray case.State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby's decision last week to charge the officers has stoked strong opinions across the country — including praise from those who want accountability and derision from some legal experts. But perhaps the most jarring effect has been on the Baltimore Police Department. "In 29 years, I've gone through some bad times, but I've never seen it this...

Does anyone else wonder why audio tapes of the officers requesting medical assistance for Freddie Gray have not been reported? These tapes prove that the officers requested medical assistance before the van left the arrest location. There are several communications recorded as officers try to coordinate with responding EMTs. I haven't heard one word about this on the news, nor have I read it in print. I have heard the tapes.

The Fraternal Order of Police lodge in Baltimore City is asking for Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to remove herself from the Freddie Gray investigation and appoint a special prosecutor. On Friday, Mosby announced she was filing charges against six officers in the death of Freddie Gray. According to Capital Gazette, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge argues she has a personal conflict due to connections with both Freddie Gray’s attorney Bill Murphy and her husband, City Councilman Nick Mosby. Attorney and former judge William (Bill) H. Murphy, Jr. represents the Gray family. Murphy was also a...

Officers paid for work not done, U.S. says Staples official pleads guilty to role in scheme; City, Balto. Co. police involved; No other charges placed; internal action possible By Gail Gibson and Del Quentin Wilber Sun Staff Originally published June 1, 2002 Federal prosecutors said yesterday that "over 39" off-duty Baltimore area police officers were paid by Staples Inc. for security work they never performed, as the first and only figure to be charged in a two-year moonlighting investigation pleaded guilty. None of the officers - some of whom made as much as $40,000 in the scheme - faces criminal...