Baltimore City Police Officer Admits to Trafficking in Heroin While on Duty

Baltimore, Maryland - Baltimore City Police officer Daniel Redd, age 41, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, and using a gun in a drug trafficking crime.

The plea agreement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge Ava Cooper-Davis of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III.

“The Baltimore Police Department initiated this investigation and has been a full partner in this and other pending federal cases involving allegedly corrupt police officers,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

"The overwhelming majority of the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department work hard every day to make our city safer and back up the quality of their work with their lives," said Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld, III. "However, I am committed to taking the swiftest disciplinary action against the small minority of officers who dishonor the honor and integrity of this department. If any member of this agency violates the law or does not uphold the oath of office, I am re-emphasizing the full commitment of the Baltimore Police Department and that of our federal partners to vigorously investigate and hold individuals accountable. Today's announcement is a demonstration of that commitment."

According to his plea agreement, from January to June 30, 2011 Redd conspired with others to distribute between one and three kilograms of heroin.

Specifically, on March 2, 2011, Redd met with a co-conspirator to obtain 40 grams of heroin while on duty as a Baltimore Police officer. Redd was dressed in his full uniform and carried his service firearm. On March 6, 2011, Redd provided protection for another co-conspirator who was meeting with a heroin customer. Redd had provided the co-conspirator with heroin to sell to the customer. Redd carried a gun during the transaction and would have used it if necessary to protect the co-conspirator.

Finally, on March 31, 2011, on the parking lot of the Northwest District Police Station, Redd provided 200 grams of heroin to a co-conspirator while on duty, dressed in full uniform and carrying his service firearm.

As part of the plea agreement, Redd and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Redd will be sentenced to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. has scheduled sentencing for June 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Co-defendant Dyrell Garrett, age 34, pleaded guilty to his participation in the conspiracy and was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI , DEA, the Baltimore City Police Department and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Peter M. Nothstein, James T. Wallner and James G. Warwick, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.