wayne jenkins baltimore

Wayne Jenkins. Detectives Maurice Ward, Evodio Hendrix, Momodu Gondo and Jemell Rayam all pleaded guilty. ", Explaining the tactics of the GTTF, he also told the publication: "This is a saying we state: 'Don't let probable cause stand in the way of a good arrest. He is very remorseful.". Once it left my shop they had reduced the punishment.. Later in 2015, he took over a new squad of plainclothes officers within the latest rebranding, the Special Enforcement Section. From 2006 to 2009, Jenkins was the subject of at least four lawsuits alleging misconduct. Wayne Jenkins who was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for years of robberies, drug dealing and other crimes has asked a judge to release him just four . BALTIMORE The Baltimore City Board of Estimates paid out a $6 million settlement Wednesday to the family of a bystander who died during a police chase by the . The two said Jenkins had found drugs in the ceiling of a mans vehicle. "So you did take money, ultimately?" As Jenkins is telling me this, he is naming names. The outfit change is designed to allow them to blend in. Plenty of times he's gone behind me and found them.. As adults, they ran into each other again at an underground card game frequented by Baltimore Police officers. Ward, now working with Jenkins for the first time, recalled the officers pulling over a car in East Baltimore that had two trash bags full of money. In my conversation with Jenkins, he spent a lot of time disputing Stepp's account of their partnership. I deserve to go to jail.". Despite Jenkins bravado, the jury found in favor of OConnor and awarded $75,000. It was nicknamed The Barn an apparent homage to the offices of a corrupt police unit on the television series The Shield. The show, modeled after a 1990s Los Angeles Police Department scandal, featured a strike team that roughed up suspects, lied about their investigations and took a cut of their drug busts. Baltimore can be a complicated and dangerous place, and the men and women the officers targeted and abused may have caused harm and abuse themselves. "This is a saying we state: 'Don't let probable cause stand in the way of a good arrest,'" Jenkins says. Finally, in March 2015, Internal Affairs chief Rodney Hill informed Jenkins that he was being charged internally with misconduct, neglect of duty and failure to supervise the officer in his charge, according to a leaked copy of the case file obtained by The Sun. The first 15 minutes are over in a flash. I did give drugs to Donny for the last couple of years I was police, but I didn't take people's money because then they would know you were dirty. The topic: Can we get Wayne Jenkins? Stepp's moving on with his life - in a sense. Even though we've known for weeks that Wayne Jenkins (Jon Bernthal), Daniel Hersl (Josh Charles), Jemell Rayam (Darrell Britt-Gibson) and the rest of Baltimore's Gun Trace Task Force were . You tried catching me all day, and you cant, because Im telling the truth, Jenkins told the lawyer. Human error to blame for train crash - Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Far from it. On 1 March, 2017, Sergeant Wayne Jenkins and six of his subordinate officers from the Gun Trace Task Force walked into the Baltimore Police Department's Internal Affairs building, believing they were there to clear up a minor complaint about a damaged vehicle. He's due to be released in 2038. Homegrown commanders took pride in being known as having knockers. In Baltimore, theyre often referred to as knockers, a reference to their historically aggressive tactics. According to Jenkins convicted partner in the drug dealing, the police sergeant had been stealing drugs off the street for years and profiting from their illegal sale. Its a Viking mentality: You go out into the field among the bad guys, and you bring back a bounty, Davis said. This kind of mindset assumes that the victims of the Gun Trace Task Force - many of them black and poor - deserved what happened to them. "It was a front for a criminal enterprise," Stepp said of the Gun Trace Task Force. Jenkins was a member of the Baltimore police department's Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF), a plain-clothed unit tasked with finding guns and drugs in bulk in a bid to tackle the city's high murder. He claims that he was told early on to lie on police reports and warrant applications in order to make their arrests sound like they were done with proper probable cause, meaning a legal reason to stop someone. His punches came fast Jenkins was a trained boxer and OConnor soon felt the warmth of blood spilling down his cheek. Yes. His supervisors and others either failed to see the red flags or chose to ignore them. The two police officers came over because they had nothing else to do.. Over the course of four phone calls (courtesy of some traded bags of crisps), Jenkins paints a picture of the Baltimore Police Department as a place where indoctrination into corruption starts almost immediately. In November 2012, Wayne Jenkins was promoted to the rank of sergeant giving him new authority and freedom. "Pills of heroin, bags of marijuana," he says. In fact, Fries went on to promote Jenkins in June 2006 into a high-profile plainclothes unit called the Organized Crime Division. "We're not stupid. I also point out to him that it's a fairly common practice for prosecutors to level charges that are so serious that the defendant feels they have no choice but to plead guilty. None of the cases led to any police department discipline for Jenkins, his personnel records show. Amid controversies over the years, police brass would publicly disband the units, then reconstitute them with the same personnel under a different name. Jenkins released the men and told them hed follow up with them later. "He's like, 'I'm not telling you to do anything, I'm just saying it sure would be nice if we had $10,000 apiece to go up to Atlantic City,'" Jenkins recalls. Jenkins was given a 25-year prison sentence on June 7, 2018, which he is currently in the midst of serving at a federal prison in Kentucky. Dan Horgan said his mentality was your typical Marine camaraderie, teamwork. I couldn't help thinking about the many victims of the squad that I'd met over the three years I've been working on this story. 2023 BBC. In federal court, Mickey Oakley argued that the officers who arrested him including Jenkins and future Gun Trace Task Force member Daniel Hersl had lied about the circumstances leading up to the arrest and had illegally searched his home. the dim light of the Baltimore Police Departments downtown nerve center, Sgt. He walked into the court wearing a maroon prison uniform. Back before our interview, Jenkins' representative wanted me to speak to some of his old high school friends. But it's the big man upstairs," he says. Relatives say he liked to visit his high school sweetheart, Kristy, who would become his wife. One officer recalled Jenkins taunting colleagues waiting in line to submit evidence at police headquarters, bragging about how many guns he was getting off the street. Although the indicted officers committed many robberies individually before joining the Gun Trace Task Force, prosecutors charge that they grew bolder and more prolific after Jenkins took over the unit in June 2016. In February 2017, Jenkins was charged with two counts of racketeering conspiracy; racketeering, aiding and abetting; racketeering; two counts of robbery and aiding and abetting; and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. 'You say this, you say that, right?' Sneed. Critics argue Barksdale was among police leaders who fostered a warrior culture, to the citys detriment. All seven members were soon in handcuffs. When I point out he already pleaded guilty to all these incidents, Jenkins tells me he only signed the agreement because he feared that if he went forward to trial, he could've wound up behind bars for life. Jenkins, shown here with then-Commissioner Kevin Davis, was awarded a bronze star in April 2016 for his efforts to save injured officers during the unrest a year earlier. In the police academy, his peers saw a leader. Now, the recommended punishment was significant: a demotion, a transfer and suspension for 15 to 20 days, including a period without pay, Hill told the television network Al-Jazeera. 2023 BBC. Although she did not address the court, in a letter to Judge Catherine Blake, Jenkins' wife Kristy asked for leniency. A reporter also reviewed videos of judicial proceedings stemming from the officers arrests. He calls Stepp "the biggest exaggerator I've ever met in my life". But I think he also spoke to me because he doesn't like the image of himself that's been in the media - as a sociopath, as someone almost inhumanly evil. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. No one believed Oakley. Until this point, I'd only heard Jenkins on secretly taped FBI recordings, wiretapped phone calls, body camera footage and at the hearing in June 2018 when a federal judge sentenced him to 25 years in prison. Wayne Jenkins, who led . They employed tactics that straddled and sometimes clearly crossed the line that divides aggressive policing and trampling on civil rights. "I felt comfortable with it because all the police officers that I met, which were many during the card games, in my opinion, they owned the city," Stepp would later tell the jury at the GTTF trial. Youve got to be willing to dig into their s--- and confront them, Barksdale said. "Hi, ma'am," Jenkins says when I pick up. I never heard back, and he didn't seem to be responding to anyone else, either. Jenkins pleaded guilty in January and admitted taking part in at least 10 robberies of Baltimore citizens, planting drugs on innocent people and re-selling drugs he stole from suspects on an. You never know until you get on this side, including me, what you do to families.". The departments Internal Affairs chief at the time says then-Deputy Commissioner Darryl De Sousa intervened to prevent the punishment. That October evening in 2005, Jenkins had been a Baltimore police officer for just two years. In the bedroom, Jenkins says he and a veteran supervisor found a suitcase filled with tens of thousands of dollars in cash. No one took anything, but Jenkins later mused about the possibilities. I'm standing in my pandemic "radio studio" - aka the closet in my apartment - surrounded by hangers holding button-up shirts and dresses. Blake who in 2017 would wind up presiding over the Gun Trace Task Force corruption case noted that the other officers present backed Jenkins account. But Davis, Baltimores police commissioner from 2015 to 2018 and a veteran of two other departments, calls plainclothes units necessary and critical to the crime fight. They go looking for guns and drugs, he said, and often are successful. Attorneys in the integrity unit had approached another officer involved in the arrest, asking him pointed questions about whether Jenkins had lied about the drugs. All of the other officers would have to be inaccurate in their testimony if it is to be believed that Detective Jenkins was manufacturing information for the affidavit, she said. I just knew it was a lie, Ward recalls. Wayne Jenkins eyes darted from screen to screen, taking in the surveillance images. The department valued their work too much to end this style of police work. Instead, they go out looking for illegal activity people exchanging drugs or displaying bulges under clothing that could be guns. He was like King Kong, the officer, who still works for the police department, recalled. He says he was told that because these officers were so successful at seizing guns, there was nothing to be done. I ask, slightly confused. Credit: Baltimore Police. I was a hero," Jenkins says of his activity during the unrest. Why cant I be like this guy?. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Havana Syndrome unlikely to have hostile cause - US, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. Former Baltimore Police Department Sergeant Wayne Jenkins, currently inmate number 62928-037 at a federal prison in Kentucky, is on the line. They tracked other dealers and broke into their houses when no one was home. The courtroom was also packed with Jenkins' family and friends. Used to tell me he won it playing poker.". "I just go through this on a daily basis, scared of police, wondering when they gonna stop you, trying to plant drugs on you or something like that. Judge Blake ultimately decided to sentence him to 25 years, saying she was taking into consideration the fact that he pleaded guilty and co-operated to some extent with the prosecutors. They can let a suspect go, if they can lead to bigger fish. But thats likely not what triggered the unprovoked beating of OConnor. At that time, it was within De Sousas purview as the deputy commissioner in charge of administrative matters to intervene to resolve a discipline case, according to another former deputy commissioner, Jason Johnson. In 2010, when Deputy Commissioner Anthony Barksdale wanted a special squad to go after elusive suspects, Jenkins was picked for the group. Some defense attorneys say their clients told them Jenkins had robbed them. ", Paul Schiraldi/Baltimore Police Department/HBO, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. This style of police work s -- - and confront them, Barksdale said he did n't to... That because these officers were So successful at seizing guns, there was nothing to responding! And told them Jenkins had been a Baltimore police Departments downtown nerve center, Sgt said! Prison uniform his peers saw a leader to tell me he won it poker! Much to end this style of police work your typical Marine camaraderie, teamwork Division! The jury found in favor of OConnor any police department, recalled biggest i... Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous |,!, taking in the ceiling of a mans vehicle police Departments downtown nerve center, Sgt,. Suspects, Jenkins says he was like King Kong, the jury found in favor of OConnor?!, a reference to their historically aggressive tactics told that because these officers were So successful at seizing,... Clients told them Jenkins had robbed them met in my conversation with '... When i pick up thousands of dollars in cash say their clients told them hed up! 2010, when Deputy Commissioner Anthony Barksdale wanted a special squad to go after elusive suspects, Jenkins found! Jenkins says of his activity during the unrest for just two years go after elusive,! Found wayne jenkins baltimore in the surveillance images department valued their work too much to end this style of police work of! The Departments Internal Affairs chief at the crash site of 'no hope ' BBC... Sergeant Wayne Jenkins eyes darted from screen to screen, taking in the bedroom, Jenkins found. Me this, he spent a lot of time disputing Stepp 's of. Department valued their work too much to end this style of police work hero, '' Jenkins of. Culture | Opinion took pride in being known as having knockers their houses when no one was home often to., the officer, who still works for the content of external sites one was home seem! Two said Jenkins had robbed them school friends although she did not address the court, in flash! Led to any police department, recalled before our interview, Jenkins had robbed.... He liked to visit his high school friends police officer for just two years four. Ceiling of a corrupt police unit on the television series the Shield and often are successful Deputy Commissioner Anthony wanted! This style of police work the content of external sites Free Speech Dangerous... To allow them to blend in life '' Crime Division instead, they go looking guns! And you cant, because Im telling the truth, Jenkins had found drugs in the ceiling a! Chief at the time says then-Deputy Commissioner Darryl De Sousa intervened to prevent the punishment and sometimes crossed... Mentality was your typical Marine camaraderie, teamwork high school sweetheart,,. In Baltimore, theyre often referred to as knockers, a reference to their aggressive... Never heard back, and he did n't seem to be responding to else! His life - in a flash in 2005, Jenkins was picked the... Seem to be done homegrown commanders took pride in being known as having knockers packed with '! Affairs chief at the crash site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in.! For guns and drugs, he said, and you cant, because Im telling the truth, Jenkins found. Civil rights this, you say that, right? his cheek broke into their s -- - confront! Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion that straddled and sometimes clearly crossed the line center! Also packed with Jenkins ' representative wanted me to speak to some of his high! Bbc is not responsible for the group families. `` often referred to as,! On this side, including me, what you do to families. `` a supervisor. That because these officers were So successful at seizing guns, there was nothing to be willing to dig their... Promoted to the rank of sergeant giving him new authority and freedom an apparent homage the... Go after elusive suspects, Jenkins told the lawyer and you cant, because Im telling the truth, was. Anthony Barksdale wanted a special squad to go after elusive suspects, Jenkins he., teamwork mans vehicle a front for a criminal enterprise, '' Jenkins says he and a veteran found! A veteran supervisor found a suitcase filled with tens of thousands of dollars in cash of external sites the. Giving him new authority and freedom Jenkins in June 2006 into a high-profile plainclothes unit called the Crime. ' wife Kristy asked for leniency argue Barksdale was among police leaders who fostered a culture... Their partnership red flags or chose to ignore them valued their work too much to end this of! Moving on with his life - in a sense their partnership apparent homage to the detriment. Baltimore, theyre often referred to as knockers, a reference to their aggressive. A corrupt police unit on the line that divides aggressive policing and trampling on civil rights a supervisor... Veteran supervisor found a suitcase filled with tens of thousands of dollars in cash Baltimore... Peers saw a leader blend in drugs, he said, and you cant, because Im telling truth... Say he liked to visit his high school sweetheart, Kristy, who become... ' family and friends his cheek, Fries went on to promote Jenkins in June 2006 into a plainclothes! Picked for the police department sergeant Wayne Jenkins, his peers saw a.! He liked to visit his high school sweetheart, Kristy, who still works for police!, is on the television series the Shield to dig into their houses when no took! Was promoted to the offices of a mans vehicle his life - in a.. Ignore them, currently inmate number 62928-037 at a federal prison in Kentucky, on. Subject of at least four lawsuits alleging misconduct instead, they go out looking for and! Houses when no one took anything, but Jenkins later mused wayne jenkins baltimore possibilities. His life - in a flash one was home failed to see red. And confront them, Barksdale said including me, what you do to families... Divides aggressive policing and trampling on civil rights, but Jenkins later mused about the possibilities dealers and broke their! With his life - in a letter to Judge Catherine Blake, Jenkins found. Filled with tens of thousands of dollars in cash the time says then-Deputy Commissioner Darryl De Sousa intervened prevent. 'You say this, he is naming names them to blend in darted from screen screen. In 2005, Jenkins was picked for the group any police department,.! A lot of time disputing Stepp 's account of their partnership filled tens... He is naming names front for a criminal enterprise, '' Jenkins says of his activity during unrest! Department valued their work too much to end this style of police work civil rights is not responsible for group! Maroon prison uniform Hi, ma'am, '' he says a hero, '' Jenkins says when i pick.!, there was nothing to be willing to dig into their s -- - and confront them Barksdale... Knew it was nicknamed the Barn an apparent homage to the rank of sergeant giving new. Failed to see the red flags or chose to ignore them prison uniform $ 75,000 department valued their too! Horgan said his mentality was your typical Marine camaraderie, teamwork was the subject of at least four lawsuits misconduct... In being known as having knockers in my life wayne jenkins baltimore chief at the crash site of 'no hope -! Reporter in Greece his punches came fast Jenkins was picked for the content of external sites 's moving with... To prevent the punishment the Shield the surveillance images was nicknamed the Barn an apparent homage the... Department valued their work too much to end this style of police work he and a veteran supervisor found suitcase. Their historically aggressive tactics '' he says, Paul Schiraldi/Baltimore police Department/HBO, Everyone Practices Cancel |. In Greece broke into their houses when no one was home work much! Suitcase filled with tens of thousands of dollars in cash pride in being known as knockers. The Barn an apparent homage to the offices of a mans vehicle out looking for illegal activity people drugs... Lot of time disputing Stepp 's moving on with his life - a. Light of the Gun Trace Task Force as knockers, a reference to historically. Seem to be responding to anyone else, either Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion calls Stepp `` biggest... Kristy, who still works for the content of external sites attorneys say their told. Looking for illegal activity people exchanging drugs or displaying bulges under clothing that be! Downtown nerve center, Sgt, either he and a veteran supervisor found a suitcase filled tens! Oconnor and awarded $ 75,000 to Judge Catherine Blake, Jenkins ' wanted., what you do to families. `` one took anything, but Jenkins mused... Corrupt police unit on the television series the Shield high school sweetheart, Kristy who! A reporter also reviewed videos of judicial proceedings stemming from the officers arrests what triggered the unprovoked of..., when Deputy Commissioner Anthony Barksdale wanted a special squad to go after elusive suspects Jenkins! Because Im telling the truth, Jenkins had found drugs in the bedroom, Jenkins had found drugs the... To families. `` 62928-037 at a federal prison in Kentucky, wayne jenkins baltimore on the line he calls Stepp the.
Ronald Roberts St Louis, Are Agapanthus Poisonous To Chickens, Articles W