Policeman Framed Citizens, Stole Drugs From Rioters: PatchPM

Share-worthy stories from the Maryland Patch network to talk about tonight:

Baltimore Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty To Federal Charges

The highest ranking officer in a federal probe has admitted to robbing citizens, falsifying overtime, stealing drugs from looters after the Baltimore riots and more; he faces at least 20 years in prison.

Widespread Flu Cases Send More Patients To Maryland Hospitals

Flu season is spiking early this year, and more cases of the virus have sent Marylanders to the hospital in the last two weeks.

Young Chefs Academy Opening In Bel Air

Children as young as 4 years old will be able to take classes at the cooking academy for kids, a franchise that evolved out of one parent's desire to combine meal preparation with quality time with her son.

$10K Reward For Tips In Football Player Shooting

Investigators say several party-goers at the New Year's Eve gathering where the shooting occurred recorded video and took photos with cell phones. Anne Arundel County police have offered a reward.

Chemical Leak Contained In Edgemere, 1 Hospitalized: Officials

The hazardous materials leak occurred at a yeast plant in Baltimore County. The fire department announced it was monitoring the air in surrounding neighborhoods.

BGE Says Customers Will Feel Effects Of Tax Cut

The utility company says that electrical customers would see a $2.31 decrease on their monthly bill, and the average gas and electric customer can expect an estimated $4.27 decrease.

Rockville Woman Identified As Victim Found Dead In Pond: Police

The 36-year-old woman was reported missing in November.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Burglar Locks 2 Children Inside House: Annapolis Police
• Columbia Brewery To Open By Summer
• Kidnapping Attempt Prompts Community Meeting
• Deer, Dump Truck Crash In Harford County
• Chimney Fire Causes $75K Of Damage At Potomac Home
• Havre de Grace Wants Your Old Christmas Cards
• Driver Died In Towson Crash On Joppa Road: Police
• Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Presents 'Diva To Diva, From Ella To Adele'

Across America

• 3 More Women Accuse 'Crash' Director Of Sex Misconduct
• Tom Brady, Bill Belichick At Odds: Coach Could Leave, ESPN
• 'Groundhog Day' Mansion Pipes Burst, House Floods

Patch PM shares a few of the day's must-read items from our Maryland Patch network.

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