Two Baltimore officers charged in suspect's beating

The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City charged Baltimore City Police Department Sergeant Marinos N. Gialamas and Officer Anthony Williams today with second-degree assault for allegedly assailing a suspect in police custody on October 27, 2011.

 

The State's Attorney's Office also charged Sgt. Gialamas, 40, with three counts of misconduct and Officer Williams, 37, with a single count of obstructing and hindering an investigation.

 

Sgt. Gialamas and Officer Williams allegedly assaulted the man in an East Baltimore home after he attempted to flee from officers who observed him engaged in suspected drug activity. The alleged assault occured in the same block as the death in police custody last month of Anthony Anderson, 41, who was apprehended on suspicion of dealing drugs.

 

The Baltimore Police Department's Internal Investigations Division initiated the investigation and then collaborated with the Police Integrity Unit of the State's Attorney's Office. The State's Attorney's Office brought the charges through the filing of criminal informations.

 

"As always, we stand committed to investigating claims of police misconduct and, when appropriate, prosecuting officers who violate the law," State's Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein said.

 

Baltimore Police Commissioner-designate Anthony Batts emphasized the Department's commitment to upholding the highest levels of professional integrity and public trust.

 

"Any activity that undermines the integrity of the Baltimore Police Department simply won't be tolerated," Batts said. "Our continued commitment to the people of Baltimore is that all allegations of misconduct and corruption among the ranks of the Baltimore Police Department will be vigorously investigated."