3 Baltimore Police Officers Indicted on Theft, Forgery Charges

Prosecutors say the officers falsified timesheets and submitted fraudulent doctor's notes to obtain sick leave pay.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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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, prosecutors announced on Tuesday. Lt. Welai Grant, Sgt. Mark Rutkowski, and former Officer Harrison Brandon face a range of penalties if convicted.

Why it matters

The indictments of these Baltimore police officers highlight ongoing concerns about misconduct and abuse of power within law enforcement. Public trust in the police force is critical, and these types of allegations undermine that trust and raise questions about accountability and oversight.

The details

Lt. Welai Grant was indicted on one count of theft between $1,500 and $25,000 and two counts of misconduct in office for allegedly logging hours on her timesheet for overnight shifts she didn't work. Sgt. Mark Rutkowski was indicted on one count of theft and three counts of misconduct for inflating his paid work hours and using another employee's computer to cancel his own leave. Former Officer Harrison Brandon was indicted on one count of forgery, two counts of identity fraud, one count of theft, and two counts of misconduct for submitting fraudulent doctor's notes to obtain sick leave pay.

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

The players

Lt. Welai Grant

A current Baltimore police officer indicted on theft and misconduct charges.

Sgt. Mark Rutkowski

A current Baltimore police officer indicted on theft and misconduct charges.

Harrison Brandon

A former Baltimore police officer indicted on forgery, identity fraud, theft, and misconduct charges.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold our officers to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”

— Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore State's Attorney

What’s next

The officers will face trial on the charges, and the Baltimore Police Department has said it will cooperate fully with the investigation.

The takeaway

These indictments underscore the need for robust oversight and accountability measures within law enforcement agencies to prevent abuse of power and restore public trust in the police.