Former Baltimore City Police Detective Antonio Murray, a 14-year veteran who was once shot on the job, was sentenced Friday to 139 years in prison for operating a drug business out of his police car and robbing dealers on city streets.
The sentencing mimicked that of Murray?s co-defendant William King last week, during which U.S. District Judge Frederick Motz called the prison term “grossly disproportionate to the crime.”
The judge Friday decried federal mandatory minimum sentencing laws but said he was not diminishing the seriousness of the crimes.
Murray?s friends and family shook their heads as prosecutor David Copperthite described Murray, 35, as arrogant and more “calculating” than King, both of whom were featured in the notorious “Stop Snitchin? ” video and collectively known on the streets as the “shake-up boys.” The duo took pride in their endeavors, Copperthite said, and committed more crimes than were accounted for in the trial leading to their conviction in April.
But defense attorney Russell Neverdon said his client was simply building street credibility and a rapport with informants that would lead to better busts and more arrests.
Referring to himself, Murray said the person federal police investigated no longer exists, but said no one ever told him his techniques crossed a line.
Murray?s mother, Maria English, called her son a victim of police politics.
“This is just a smokestack to cover up what?s really going on in the police department,” English said. “Police have used these tactics since way back when, so what?s the big deal now?”
Last week, King, 35, was sentenced to more than 315 years in prison for the same charges plus additional firearms, robbery and drug charges. Attorneys for both defendants said they will appeal.
Motz encouraged the appeals and criticized overzealous politicians who pass mandatory minimum laws to appear tough on crime.
“We?re imposing 300-, 100-year sentences to people who don?t deserve them,” Motz said. “Why aren?t the people of conscience who believe they are the conscience of the communities talking about this?”
