Key facts
- Baltimore police officer Dequwan Houchins is accused of falsifying records to avoid service calls.
- He faces charges including false entry in a public record and misconduct in office.
- An undercover investigation revealed Houchins recorded eight illegitimate traffic stops.
- Prosecutors allege he was idle in his car, once ordering a smoothie, while claiming to be on duty.
- If convicted, Houchins could face up to 12 years in jail and a $4,000 fine per false entry charge.
A Baltimore police officer, Dequwan Houchins, is facing charges for allegedly fabricating traffic stops to avoid performing his duties. According to an indictment filed by city prosecutors, Houchins, 30, is accused of four counts of false entry in a public record and five counts of misconduct in office. Prosecutors claim he would falsely report being on traffic stops when he was actually idle in his patrol car, sometimes ordering smoothies.
An undercover investigation involving detectives tailing Houchins for two hours on four separate traffic patrol shifts between April 8 and May 13 revealed he made nine legitimate traffic stops and recorded eight illegitimate ones. The indictment notes that when Houchins claimed to be busy, other officers had to cover his assigned calls.
Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates stated that falsifying official records for personal convenience is a serious breach of public trust. Mayor Brandon Scott called the alleged actions "shameful," and Police Commissioner Richard Worley described Houchins as a "lazy cop" who avoided work, potentially leaving colleagues in need of assistance.
Houchins, when contacted, expressed surprise at the indictment and denied ordering a smoothie during the alleged time, stating he had wanted to be a police officer since he was 18 and enjoyed his job.