A former Baltimore City deputy police commissioner who is currently employed in Gov. Martin O?Malley?s administration has reportedly used his former boss? influence to bend the city?s police pension rules and land himself a lucrative retirement package.
At age 42, Maryland Transportation Authority Chief of Police Marcus Brown, a staunch supporter of O?Malley when he served as Baltimore mayor, is set to receive a handsome annual pension benefit ? all at taxpayers? expense.
Information reported to WBAL stated that Brown would receive about 40 percent of his annual $125,000 salary ? plus benefits if he chose to ? for the remainder of his life. WBAL also reported that Brown secured his deal through the assistance of Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm.
Generally, full police pensions are granted to employees who have completed 20 years of city service. However, benefits are not paid if an employee leaves with less than 20 years? service and has not reached their 50th birthday.
In a rarely used tactic that allows officers with less than 20 years? duty to reap pensions, Hamm asserted in a letter to the police pension board that Brown had been removed from his deputy commissioner job.
But it appears Brown voluntarily vacated his city post in January to join O?Malley?s administration. At the time, Brown had just 15 years? of city service.
Hamm could not be reached for comment.
Pensions board spokesperson Thomas Taneyhill said all the requirements for granting Brown?s benefits had been met and that a letter was received confirming his removal.
Board spokeswoman Felicia Knight stated that although she had no available numbers, there have been other cases like Brown?s.
“This is part of the law,” said Knight. “If a position is abolished and the employee has at least 15 years? service and was removed from a position without fault, they would be eligible for a retirement allowance.”
Should Brown’s benefits be blocked until it is clear he voluntarily left his position to work for Gov. O’Malley? Respond below in our comment section.
