Baltimore Police Officer Admits Guilt in Assaults at SWAT Holiday Gathering

A Baltimore Police officer has pleaded guilty to assaulting two individuals during an off-duty incident at a SWAT holiday party in Fells Point.

Officer Morgan Banocy, who has served on the force for over 11 years, accepted a plea agreement in a hearing before Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa M. Phinn on Thursday. As part of the agreement, Banocy will not face jail time.

Judge Phinn sentenced Banocy to probation before judgment, which means it is not classified as a conviction. Additionally, she is required to complete anger management classes and undergo alcohol counseling.

The events leading to the charges occurred on December 6, 2025, when Banocy, aged 32, was reportedly out at bars. Prosecutors allege that she spat at her husband, Officer Matthew Banocy, punched Officer Nolan Arnold, and struck a woman multiple times in the face and head.

Police were called to The Admiral’s Cup on Thames Street, where they determined that an assault had occurred, though it was not deemed to involve serious injury or a weapon. It was noted that the woman involved fell and injured her finger.

Upon discovering that Morgan Banocy was a police officer, responding officers notified the department's internal affairs. The case was subsequently referred to the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office for further investigation.

Assistant State’s Attorney Steven Trostle, who leads the Public Trust and Police Integrity Unit, later filed charges against Banocy. State's Attorney Ivan Bates expressed disappointment that other off-duty officers present did not intervene more effectively during the incident.

As of now, Morgan Banocy remains suspended with pay from the Baltimore Police Department. She is recognized on the department's history page as part of a family with a longstanding history in law enforcement.

Reported by HarborBeat based on thebanner.com (source).