A federal grand jury has indicted seven Baltimore police officers, all members of an elite task force, charging them with theft, extortion, fraud and filing false police reports. One of the officers has also been charged with trafficking drugs. Prosecutors say the seven men often made illegal traffic stops or engaged in illegal search and seizure, taking drugs and cash for personal use or to sell. The indictment alleged that many of the victims had not committed any crime, but were simply victims of wrongdoing by the officers. The indictment also alleges that the policemen submitted bogus overtime, often claiming to be working while they were on vacation. Between them, the seven officers allegedly took home around $400,000 in fraudulent overtime in just one year.
Many local criminal defense attorneys say the arrests jeopardize a number of convictions over the last few years. They say that any case these officers were involved in may be suspect, as the officers’ testimony will likely be considered unreliable.
Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has successfully protected the rights of people facing criminal prosecution in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully gathering and preserving all evidence in your case. He’ll review police reports to ensure that police followed proper procedures and that your constitutional rights were not violated.
Attorney Smith is well-respected among clients and colleagues, earning recognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer, as well as an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System (the top rating possible). Honored as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.
Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney
Let us help protect your rights in a criminal matter. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.
