13 Baltimore COs Indicted In Prison Gang Drug Conspiracy
A federal grand jury has indicted 13 Baltimore correctional officers and 12 Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang members who orchestrated a wide-ranging conspiracy to distribute drugs, launder money, and have sex inside the jail.

Screenshot via Baltimore Sun.
A federal grand jury has indicted 13 Baltimore correctional officers and 12 Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang members who orchestrated a wide-ranging conspiracy to distribute drugs, launder money, and have sex inside the jail.
The indictments stem from a two-year Maryland Prison Task Force investigation to reform prison procedures, the FBI announced Tuesday.
"Correctional officers were in bed with BGF inmates, in violation of the first principle of prison management," said U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein. "Preventing prison corruption requires intensive screening at prison entrances and punishment for employees who consort with inmates or bring cell phones and drugs into correctional facilities."
BGF members and associates allegedly bribed correctional officers at the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC) and other prison facilities to smuggle drugs, cell phones and other contraband. Officers arranged favored treatment and privileges for imprisoned gang members, and thwarted interdiction and law enforcement efforts against inmates. BGF members and associates allegedly had long-term sexual relationships with several correctional officers and impregnated them.
BGF leaders allegedly used contraband cell phones to order contraband. Co-conspirators delivered contraband to corrupt correctional officers who smuggled the items into the prisons. Correctional officers often arranged for payment. Some gang dues and drug profits were used to support the activities of BGF street organizations outside the jails.
The charging documents allege that correctional officers brought contraband directly into the prisons through the main entrances. Inside the prisons, the gang controlled smuggling by designating gang members as "working men"—inmates who are paid to assist management and freely move around the jail.
The inmates used Green Dot cash debit cards to pay BGF for smuggled contraband. BGF members bought luxury automobiles with the pre-paid credit cards.
Ranking BGF inmate Tavon White, 36, allegedly directed the criminal operation, according to the FBI. White laid out his role in a Dec. 11 conversation with Officer Adrena Rice, 25.
He said, "I told them worker men that they had to step down off the worker men spots or they was getting hit ... I hold the highest seat you can get ... My word is law ... So if I told any mother-f**king body they had to do this, hit a police, do this, kill a mother-f**ker, do anything, it got to get done. Period."
White and other gang members developed sexual relationships with officers in order to gain influence over them.
White allegedly had long-term sexual relationships inside BCDC with four correctional officers—Jennifer Owens, 31; Katera Stevenson, 24; Chania Brooks, 27; and Tiffany Linder, 27—impregnating each of the four officers at least once. Owens had "Tavon" tattooed on her neck and Stevenson had "Tavon" tattooed on her wrist. The officers allegedly helped smuggle contraband into BCDC and other facilities. White allegedly gave Owens a diamond ring and gave luxury vehicles to Owens, Stevenson and Brooks.
In November, Officer Jasmin Jones, 24, allegedly stood guard outside a BCDC closet so Officer Kimberly Dennis, 26, and inmate Derius Duncan could have sex. Corrupt officers also warned BGF inmates about law enforcement operations. For example, Brooks and Linder allegedly notified White about upcoming canine scans and jail-cell searches. White then used his cell phone to spread the word to other inmates.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison. Stevenson also faces five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Other officers indicted include Antonia Allison, 27; Ebonee Braswell, 26; Taryn Kirkland, 23; Katrina LaPrade, 31; Vivian Matthews, 25; and Jasmine Thornton, 26.
More Patrol

Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
