A Baltimore police officer and member of a Flex Squad unit was charged Friday with felony theft and misconduct, the police department confirmed.
Sgt. Jay Jackson turned himself into Central Booking Friday evening.
Jackson, a member of the Northeast district’s Flex Squad unit was being questioned, along with the members, of his unit by the department’s Internal Affairs unit.
Jackson is part of a specialized unit that targets drug dealers. Jackson’s unit is similar to the Southwestern district Flex Squad that was involved in a series of scandals that led to its disbanding this year.
Three members of the Southwestern district Flex Squad were charged with rape, theft, drug possession, and planting evidence. All pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The investigation, according to police spokesman Troy Harris, “is ongoing.” It began two days ago.
The charges are related to misconduct by the officer involving property in police possession, said Harris, although Harris would not elaborate. The amount of the alleged theft was, according to Harris, “over $500” — a felony.
Flex Squad units are part of the department’s specialized enforcement units, groups of officers freed from patrol duties to pursue and target specific crimes like drug dealing, gambling, and prostitution.
Council Member Ken Harris, D-4th District, has recently called for disbanding specialized units, including the Flex Squads, in favor of more patrol officers. Harris will be introducing the proposal in the form of a resolution at the City Council session Monday.
