Shocking Cop Corruption Trial Kicks Off in Baltimore

The Takeaway | Jan 23, 2018

Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear this segment

A former Baltimore police detective took to the stand Tuesday as opening arguments began in the trial of two Baltimore Police detectives who were members of the corrupt undercover Gun Trace Task Force.  They are accused of robbery, racketeering and collecting overtime for hours not served, among other charges.  

Detectives Daniel Hersl and Marcus Taylor pleaded not guilty to the charges, but six other officers charged have already pleaded guilty; with several expected to testify for the prosecution.  

The Baltimore Police Department has been in turmoil since the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American man who died in police custody after being handcuffed and transported in the back of a police van, three years ago. The incident caused protests and an investigation by the Department of Justice which found a pattern or practice of civil rights violations within the department.

Mayor Catherine Pugh announced the firing of former commissioner Kevin Davis on Friday. Daryl DeSousa has assumed the role — he is the third police commissioner the city has had in nearly three years.

Brian Kuebler is an investigative reporter for ABC affiliate WMAR-TV in Baltimore and was in the courtroom as the police detective described shocking details behind their corrupt operation. He provides an update today on The Takeaway. 

This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich

 

 

 

 

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

America at 250: A View from Britain, with “The Rest Is History”

The historian-podcasters Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland explain why losing the thirteen colonies “annoyed” the British, but “it could have been a lot worse.”
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

NYC Rent Guidelines Board approves 2-year rent freeze, fulfilling Mamdani campaign pledge

About 1 million rent-stabilized apartments will be shielded from rent increases for the next two years after the historic vote.
Gothamist |

Are Carriage Horses a Thing of the Past?

Liam Quigley talks about the latest efforts to ban carriage horses in Central Park.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Feds indict former Mayor Adams adviser Frank Carone in migrant housing bribery scheme

One of former Mayor Eric Adams' oldest and closest allies was arrested Wednesday on federal corruption charges, joining a growing roster of Adams aides facing prosecution.
Gothamist |
YOU ARE ONLINE