After Charges Dropped in Gray Case, Officers Will Be Paid and Reviewed: Commissioner

BALTIMORE, MD — All of the officers indicted in the Freddie Gray case will have their pay restored and be placed on administrative duties following the state's decision to drop charges against them, according to Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis.

"Our American criminal justice system has run its course, and today's decision by State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby is a wise one that will undoubtedly help Baltimore to continue to heal," Davis said in a statement.

Six officers were charged in connection with the death of the 25-year-old Gray in police custody on April 19, 2015; three police were acquitted at bench trials, and three were to face trial in the months ahead.

On Wednesday when one of the officers was due in court for a pretrial hearing, Mosby instead announced that the state was dropping charges against him and two other officers.

It was a "thoughtful decision that will help move our city forward," according to Davis, who added: "The crime fight and our relationship with the community require our full time and attention."

While the six officers have been cleared in the criminal justice arena, the Howard and Montgomery county police departments are handling an administrative review of each of them, Davis said. After the death of Gray, they were suspended and so was their pay, in four cases.

Officer Garrett Miller and Officer Edward Nero, who were charged with misdemeanors, were on paid administrative duty since last spring. The four other officers, whose charges included felonies, had their pay suspended.

Sgt. Alicia White and Officer William Porter, who had been suspended without pay, will have their pay restored, Davis said. Pay was restored for Officer Caesar Goodson and Lt. Brian Rice after they were acquitted on felony charges.

• Freddie Gray Case Ends With Final Charges Dropped, Zero Guilty Findings For Officers

Full Statement from Police Commissioner Kevin Davis:

"Today's announcement by our State's Attorney to drop the remaining charges against three Baltimore police officers was a thoughtful decision that will help move our city forward. The crime fight and our relationship with the community require our full time and attention. As the trials end and this chapter in Baltimore's history closes, it is important that we collectively resolve to direct our emotions in a constructive way to reduce violence and strengthen citizen partnerships. Any motives that fall short of that are counterproductive and inconsistent with the values of Baltimoreans.

"Our police officers and detectives work with the State's Attorney's Office every day to bring solid cases against criminals who seek to harm others and attack our quality of life. It's an inherently strong relationship that can not and will not miss a single beat. We will continue to work together. That's what we do.

"As the quality of this investigation has been called into question, I want to remind our residents that over 30 ethical, experienced, and talented detectives worked tirelessly to uncover facts. We imbedded the Baltimore Sun's Justin George into the investigation because we knew the community would need a transparent assessment from an independent third party. His accounting of our investigative efforts speaks for itself.

"These same detectives investigated and criminally charged a Baltimore police officer who is presently on trial for attempted murder. They are more than willing to hold persons who commit crimes accountable for their actions.

"The tragic death of Mr. Freddy [sic] Gray has stirred many emotions in all of us. And while we are all entitled to our own opinions, we are not entitled to our own facts. Our American criminal justice system has run its course, and today's decision by State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby is a wise one that will undoubtedly help Baltimore to continue to heal.

"The Gray family remains in my thoughts and prayers. Our police department continues its journey to get better each and every day. Together with our community, we have made remarkable strides over the last year that will serve as the foundation for the equitable police-community relationship we all deserve."

Screenshot of Police Commissioner Kevin Davis from October 2015 Periscope video by Baltimore Police Department.