We Own This City True Story Where Are They Now
If you are a fan of the true crime genre, you may have heard of the book "We Own This City" by journalist Justin Fenton. The book tells the story of the Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF), a group of Baltimore police officers who were indicted for crimes ranging from racketeering to robbery. The GTTF's crimes shocked the city and led to a federal investigation into the Baltimore Police Department.
The GTTF's Crimes
The GTTF was formed in 2007 to combat Baltimore's rising crime rate. However, instead of upholding the law, the officers in the unit began breaking it. The GTTF's crimes included stealing money, drugs, and guns from suspects, conducting illegal searches and seizures, and selling seized drugs on the street. The officers also falsified police reports and lied in court to cover up their crimes.
The GTTF's corruption was exposed in 2016 when federal agents arrested Detective Maurice Ward, one of the officers in the unit. Ward agreed to cooperate with the investigation and provided evidence that led to the indictment of several other officers in the GTTF. In 2018, eight officers were convicted of federal charges related to their crimes in the unit.
The Aftermath
The GTTF's crimes had far-reaching consequences for the Baltimore Police Department. The department was placed under a federal consent decree that required it to make sweeping reforms to address systemic issues with policing in the city. The consent decree required the department to implement new policies on use of force, stop and frisk, and accountability. The department also had to improve its training and supervision of officers.
Several of the officers in the GTTF also faced individual consequences for their crimes. Detective Daniel Hersl and Detective Marcus Taylor, two of the officers convicted in the case, were sentenced to 18 and 14 years in federal prison, respectively. Other officers received shorter sentences or probation.
Where Are They Now?
So, where are the officers of the GTTF now? Most of them are serving federal prison sentences. However, some have been released and others are awaiting sentencing or appealing their convictions.
One officer, Sergeant Wayne Jenkins, who was the ringleader of the GTTF, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. Jenkins has since filed an appeal, claiming that his sentence was too harsh. Another officer, Detective Momodu Gondo, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and has been released to a halfway house.
Overall, the GTTF's crimes and their aftermath have left a lasting impact on the Baltimore Police Department and the city as a whole. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of police accountability and the need for meaningful reforms in law enforcement.