Allegations of sexual misconduct by a Baltimore City police officer surfaced Tuesday, as Commissioner Leonard Hamm announced an investigation against a detective from the Southeastern District.
Detective William Darryl Welch, 40, an 11-year veteran of the force, has been suspended without pay while the department investigates allegations that he engaged in sexual acts with a 16-year-old suspect during an interview.
“There is no room on the force for officers that break the law,” Hamm said at a news conference Tuesday evening.
The alleged abuse occurred on Sunday in an interview room at the Southeastern District station. Hamm said the victim was arrested on suspicion of hacking by a uniformed police officer. Police later learned that she had an outstanding warrant in Baltimore County for prostitution.
“We have reason to believe the allegations are true,” Hamm said.
Hamm did not release details of the abuse pending further investigation.
sjanis@baltimoreexaminer
