Baltimore City Police Sergeant Arrested On Extortion, Kidnapping Charges After Alleged Dispute Involving Home Improvement Job
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A Baltimore City Police sergeant assigned to the homicide unit was arrested Thursday in Baltimore County on extortion and kidnapping charges after an alleged dispute involving a home improvement job, according to police.
Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said that there are three other Baltimore homicide detectives allegedly involved in the incident.
Baltimore County Police detectives obtained and served an arrest warrant for James Lloyd, 45, of the 2000 block of Emmanuel Court.
Baltimore County Police said they received information about a dispute involving a home improvement job.
Lloyd, who hired the victim, was unsatisfied with the work and allegedly approached them and demanded a refund, according to police.
During the dispute, Lloyd identified himself as an officer, police said.
At one point, he allegedly made the victim get into his car with him and go to a bank to get a certified check for an agreed amount of refund, according to police.
The victim told police he was in fear of being arrested and complied with Lloyd's demands.
Lloyd has been suspended without pay, Commissioner Harrison said.
Mayor Jack Young issued the following statement in a news release Thursday about the alleged incident.
"I am utterly sickened and appalled by the allegations against members of the Baltimore Police Department. I have spoken with Commissioner Harrison and I am fully supportive of the actions he's taken to address those involved. Any allegations of illegal acts committed by a member of the department will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We have a police force full of men and women who take serious their oath to protect and serve. We will not stand for any members who violate this sacred promise or the public's trust."
City council president Brandon Scott also issued a statement:
"The alleged behavior outlined in this incident is exactly what erodes trust in the Baltimore Police Department, and highlights exactly why we must be fully committed to systemic reform. The type of abuse of power reported also undermines our police department's ability to solve homicides in a city that continues to be plagued with violence. I'm thankful to Baltimore County for their response and to the Commissioner for taking swift action. I look forward to the results of the criminal and internal investigations so that all involved can be held fully accountable."
Lloyd is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing. Baltimore City Police Internal Affairs is also conducting an administrative investigation into the matter.
If Lloyd is convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison on the kidnapping charge alone.
According to documents, Lloyd was one of the lead detectives investigating the death of detective Sean Suiter in 2017.
The three detectives have also had their police powers suspended and are assigned to administrative duties, pending an internal investigation.
