3 Baltimore Police Officers Indicted on Theft, Misconduct Charges

One former and two current officers accused of wage theft and other offenses

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Three Baltimore police officers, including one former and two current, were indicted on charges related to theft and misconduct in office. The officers are accused of manipulating their timesheets to collect wages they did not earn, with one officer also accused of submitting fraudulent doctor's notes to obtain sick leave pay.

Why it matters

The indictments of these officers undermine public trust in the police force and raise concerns about accountability and integrity within the Baltimore Police Department. Allegations of theft and misconduct by those sworn to protect the community are particularly troubling.

The details

According to prosecutors, Lt. Welai Grant is accused of not showing up for overnight shifts but logging the hours and getting paid. Sgt. Mark Rutkowski is accused of inflating his hours by clocking in and out at home, as well as logging into another employee's computer to cancel his own leave to trigger overtime pay. Former Officer Harrison Brandon is accused of submitting fraudulent doctor's notes to obtain sick leave pay on five occasions before resigning.

  • The alleged incidents by Grant occurred between September and November 2025.
  • The alleged incidents by Rutkowski occurred over an unspecified period of time.
  • The alleged incidents by Brandon occurred beginning in August 2024.

The players

Lt. Welai Grant

A Baltimore police officer who was indicted on one count of theft between $1,500 and $25,000 and two counts of misconduct in office.

Sgt. Mark Rutkowski

A Baltimore police officer who was indicted on one count of theft between $1,500 and $25,000 and three counts of misconduct in office.

Harrison Brandon

A former Baltimore police officer who was indicted on one count of forgery, two counts of identity fraud, one count of theft between $100 and $1,500, and two counts of misconduct in office.

Ivan J. Bates

The Baltimore City State's Attorney whose office released the indictments.

Richard Worley

The Baltimore Police Commissioner who stated the department will hold officers accountable while preserving public trust.

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What they’re saying

“Public servants take an oath to serve our communities with integrity and accountability. When that trust is broken, it undermines the very foundation of public service.”

— Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore City State's Attorney (patch.com)

“Two of the police officers charged today are current members of this department and have allegedly defrauded the communities we are sworn to protect and serve. We will continue to hold officers accountable while preserving the trust placed in this department.”

— Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Commissioner (patch.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the two current officers, Grant and Rutkowski, to remain free on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

These indictments highlight the importance of accountability and integrity within police departments to maintain public trust. The allegations of theft and misconduct by officers undermine the community's faith in law enforcement and raise concerns that must be addressed through robust internal investigations and disciplinary measures.