Three officers from the Baltimore Police Department have been indicted on serious charges, including theft and misconduct in office. Lt. Welai Grant, 42, and Sgt. Mark Rutkowski, 51, are facing charges in Baltimore Circuit Court, while former Officer Harrison Brandon, 28, has been charged with forgery, identity fraud, theft, and misconduct.
According to the allegations, Grant collected over $6,000 for eight days of work she did not attend, while Rutkowski is accused of manipulating his hours to receive nearly $1,300 in unearned pay. Brandon allegedly submitted false medical documentation to justify absences and received pay for two of those days.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates emphasized the importance of integrity in public service, stating, "When that trust is broken, it undermines the very foundation of public service." In a similar vein, Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the actions as detrimental to community safety and a misuse of taxpayer funds.
Grant, who has been with the department since 2008, was found to have been absent from work on days she was scheduled. The discrepancies came to light after a captain noticed her absence and checked payroll records, revealing that she had falsely reported her hours.
Rutkowski, a member of the force since 2001, allegedly clocked in early and clocked out late, inflating his hours and earning over $4,000 in additional pay. His misconduct was also uncovered during a payroll audit.
Brandon, who joined the police force in 2019, submitted five medical slips that were later found to be fraudulent. The slips were purportedly signed by a doctor who was not working on the specified days.
As a result of these allegations, both Grant and Rutkowski have been suspended without pay. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley stated that the department is committed to holding officers accountable and maintaining public trust.
Reported by HarborBeat based on thebanner.com (source).
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