City Officer Charged With Kidnapping, Extortion: County Police

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A Baltimore police sergeant has been charged with kidnapping and extortion after authorities say he forced a home improvement contractor to give him a refund for work he did not find satisfactory. Police allege the city officer forced the victim to drive with him to a bank to get a certified check for the refund.

James Lloyd, 45, of Woodlawn, is charged with kidnapping and extortion from $1,000 to $10,000 related to an incident June 25, court records show.

The charges stem from a dispute over a home improvement job, according to police, who said Lloyd hired the victim to complete the work at his residence in the 2000 block of Emmanuel Court. According to police, he became dissatisfied with the work, demanded a refund and identified himself as a law enforcement officer.

Afraid of being arrested, the victim complied with Lloyd's demands, including going in Lloyd's car to the bank to get a certified check to refund him his money, police said.

Lloyd is a sergeant with the Baltimore City Police Department, according to officials, who said internal affairs personnel are investigating.

Court records show Lloyd is slated to appear for a bail review at 1 p.m. Friday in Baltimore County District Court.