3 Baltimore Cops Involved In Extortion, Kidnapping Case: Official

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Three Baltimore Police Department homicide detectives have had their police powers suspended and have been assigned to administrative duty after they were alleged to have been present when a department homicide sergeant reportedly threatened, kidnapped and extorted a contractor he had hired for a home improvement project last month, authorities said.

Police Commissioner Michael Harrison announced in a statement posted to social media Friday night that the department’s investigation continues into the “potential misconduct” of the detectives. Their involvement stems from an incident that took place at the home of Sgt. James Lloyd, 45, Gwynn Oak, on June 25 when he confronted the contractor over the quality of work being done at his Baltimore County home, authorities said.

Lloyd was arrested and ordered held without bail on Friday after Lloyd threatened to arrest the contractor whose work the officer deemed unacceptable, authorities said. In his statement, Harrison said Lloyd has been suspended without pay pending an internal investigation.

The Baltimore Sun reported that the three detectives have not been charged with a crime. Harrison said the officers will continue to be paid while on administrative duty. According to charging documents, Harrison identified the detectives as Juan Diaz, Troy Taylor and Manuel Larbi.

The documents indicate Lloyd was displeased with the work the contractor had done in building a patio. According to CBS 13, the men initially agreed on a price of $7,000 in May but that Lloyd contacted the contractor in June and said some of the pavers had come loose and that he wanted the patio to be bigger.

The contractor agreed to fix the pavers but said that enlarging the patio would cost $1,400, which Lloyd agreed to pay, CBS 13 said. But when the contractor arrived at Lloyd’s home on June 25, he found a vehicle blocking entry to the residence, according to the documents, and Lloyd got out of the car and said there was a problem.

The contractor said he could fix what needed to be repaired, but Lloyd then asked the contractor for his driver’s license and displayed his police badge, authorities said. He told the contractor he could have him arrested because he was driving with a suspended license due to missed child support payments and showed the contractor documents showing his license is suspended authorities said.

According to the charging documents, the contractor told Lloyd he was afraid because he could see Lloyd was armed. It is then, documents indicate, when the three other detectives — who were all on duty at the time — showed up with their badges and firearms visible. The contractor told the officers he was scared because of the confrontational nature of the exchange, authorities said.

Lloyd told the contractor the issue could be solved in exchange for a $3,500 refund, authorities said. The man said he didn’t want any problems, authorities said, to which Lloyd reportedly responded, “Problem would be if I took you into the woods.”

Lloyd then drove the man to a nearby bank where the contractor obtained a $3,500 cashier’s check after Lloyd reportedly told him, “You are going to give me my money back, and I am going to give you freedom,” according to authorities.

After the contractor returned to Lloyd's home from the bank, he left and immediately told friends what had happened. They convinced him to report the matter to Baltimore County authorities.

In a statement issued by Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young, the mayor said he was “utterly sickened and appalled” by the allegations against the police detectives.

“I have spoken with Commissioner Harrison and I am fully supportive of the actions he’s taken to address those involved,” Young said. “Any allegations of illegal acts committed by a member of the department will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We have a police force full of men and women who take serious their oath to protect and serve. We will not stand for any members who violate this sacred promise or the public’s trust.”

Lloyd was arrested after being charges were filed in Baltimore County. His attorney said in court Friday that the matter should be considered a civil matter and not criminal, citing “poor construction” by the contractor.

He also said Lloyd should be released on his own recognizance, but District Court Judge Kimberly Thomas said Lloyd posed a threat to society and should therefore be held.