The Baltimore Police Department on Wednesday publicly apologized to a veteran sergeant falsely accused of a sex offense.

The department “apologizes to Sgt. Robert L. Smith for any statements made by members suggesting he had committed, or may have committed a drug offense or sex offense,” the agency said in statement. “Sgt. Smith is, and has been, a law-abiding, dedicated police officer who has served well the citizens of Baltimore City. The Police Department welcomes him back to full duty.”