Two correctional officers looted during the Baltimore riots in April. Tamika Cobb and Kendra Richard have been suspended by the Department of Public Safety and Correction Services after they were filmed stealing Slim Jims and Tostitos chips at a 7-Eleven on April 25th.
Two correctional officers looted a 7-Eleven store during the Baltimore riots. According to a statement issued by Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), Tamika Cobb and Kendra Richard, who are Maryland State correctional officers, were filmed looting.
A video that was given anonymously to authorities showed the correctional officers along with a dozen other looters storming in a 7-11 store in the 300 block of West Baltimore Street in downtown Baltimore on April 25.
In the same clip, the duo emerged from the store carrying several bags of Slim Jims and Tostitos chips along with big smiles.
The looting occurred after the death of Freddie Gray, an unarmed black man, who died after being arrested. Multiple small businesses including a CVS pharmacy, homes were looted and burned during the nightly protests.
The officers involved in Gray’s arrest have been charged with his death. Tamika Cobb and Kendra Richard have been charged with theft and burglary and have been suspended without pay.
“Our Intelligence and Investigative Division did an outstanding job, immediately following up on this tip,” DPSCS Secretary Stephen T. Moyer said. “We will not allow the vast majority of our employees who are honest and hardworking to be tainted by the actions of a few.”
It has been revealed that the two women have worked at the Baltimore Reception Diagnostic Classification Center for more than nine years. Both Cobb and Richard have been released on bond. The two officers were being held on a $35,000 bail.They will have their day in court in June.
State Senator Michael Hough commented on the story, saying: “Obviously, we still have a big problem if we have people who are supposed to be protecting the public who are then rioting, or joining in rioting and looting.”
Should the 2 officers, who looted, get fired?
