3 Baltimore Police Officers Indicted on Theft and Forgery Charges

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Two current Baltimore police officials and a former officer were indicted on multiple charges, including theft, forgery, and misconduct in office. Lt. Welai Grant is accused of logging hours on her timesheet for overnight shifts she didn't work, while Sgt. Mark Rutkowski is accused of inflating his paid work hours and using another employee's computer to cancel his own leave. Former Officer Harrison Brandon is accused of submitting fraudulent doctor's notes to obtain sick leave pay.

Why it matters

The indictments of these Baltimore police officers highlight issues of integrity and accountability within the department. Public trust in law enforcement is critical, and these types of allegations of theft and forgery can undermine that trust and raise concerns about potential systemic problems.

The details

According to prosecutors, Lt. Welai Grant was indicted on one count of theft between $1,500 and $25,000 and two counts of misconduct in office. Sgt. Mark Rutkowski was indicted on one count of theft between $1,500 and $25,000 and three counts of misconduct in office. Former Officer Harrison Brandon 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.

• The alleged incidents occurred between August 2024 and November 2025.
• The indictments were announced on March 11, 2026.

What’s next

The officers will face trial to determine their guilt or innocence on the charges. The Baltimore Police Department has not yet commented on the indictments or any potential disciplinary actions.