Actions

Trial starts for 5 accused drug dealers shielded by a Baltimore police officer

Posted at 10:08 AM, Oct 16, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-16 10:08:16-04

A federal trial will begin Monday for five men accused of operating a heroin ring protected by a Baltimore police officer.

Detective Momodu Gondo is one of eight officers indicted on racketeering charges.

Gondo pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin primarily near the Alameda Shopping Center in Baltimore, that's according to officials. 

The drug trafficking case led investigators to an alleged racketeering conspiracy by Baltimore police officers to rob and extort drug dealers.

Four officers face federal prison sentences after pleading guilty to racketeering. Another four are slated to go on trial next year. More than 100 people they arrested have been cleared of criminal charges or freed because their cases hinged on the word of the officers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report