Maryland Officer Charged with Fabricating Traffic Stops to Dodge Duties
A Baltimore police officer has been indicted on charges that he routinely invented traffic stops to avoid responding to calls for service, according to court documents filed by cit…
A Baltimore police officer has been indicted on
A Baltimore police officer has been indicted on charges that he routinely invented traffic stops to avoid responding to calls for service, according to court documents filed by city prosecutors. The officer, Dequwan Houchins, 30, allegedly logged himself as being occupied with traffic enforcement when he was actually parked and idle in his vehicle.
The indictment, unsealed this week, accuses Houchins of four counts of making false entries in public records and five counts of misconduct in office. If convicted on the false entry charges alone, he could face up to 12 years in prison and fines of $4,000 for each count.
Prosecutors allege that Houchins, who joined the force several years ago, submitted numerous reports over a period of months claiming he was conducting traffic stops. However, an internal investigation, which included GPS data from his patrol car and radio logs, reportedly showed that he was often stationary for extended periods, not engaged in any police work.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountabilit…
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability within the Baltimore Police Department, which has faced federal oversight following a pattern of misconduct findings. A department spokesperson said that Houchins has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Houchins's attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month, where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
This incident is the latest in a string of disciplinary actions against Baltimore officers, but advocates say it underscores a broader issue of officers shirking responsibilities in high-crime areas where response times are critical. The police union has declined to comment on the specific allegations, but noted that officers often face heavy workloads and that the department should ensure fair treatment for all members.