A Baltimore man whose videotape of a controversial arrest by Baltimore police made headlines last year was convicted on multiple drug charges Wednesday.
Fred Curry, 36, was found guilty of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute after two hours of deliberation by a city jury. Both crimes carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 10.
Baltimore Circuit Judge Albert Matricciani issued a gag order during the trial and barred Curry?s attorney Granville Templeton from mentioning the videotape during closing arguments or speaking to the media. Templeton argued after the verdict the video was crucial to his case.
“That was the key evidence that established the motive for police to arrest him,” he said.
It was the second time Curry was tried on the charges. His first trial ended earlier this year with a hung jury.
The controversial arrest of Curry?s uncle, Wayne Curry, was brought to light after the video shot by Fred Curry surfaced. The tape showed Wayne being thrown to the ground, dragged across the street and struck by a city police officer while handcuffed.
Eyewitnesses for both sides gave conflicting testimony.
Several witnesses for the defense said police arrested Curry during a drug sweep only after they learned of his identity.
But police testified at trial that Curry was seen holding a black plastic bag in the vicinity of a stash of cocaine in an area known for drug dealing.
Curry was an employee of the city?s Department of Transportation when he was arrested last December. Both his employers testified he was at work the day police alleged he was dealing drugs.
Margaret Burns, spokeswoman for Baltimore City State?s Attorney Patricia Jessamy, applauded the verdict.
“This case is an example of how a thorough police drug investigation can yield a significant conviction and substantial jail time,” she said. “The prosecutor worked closely with police detectives in a partnership that benefits public safety.”
