Who Speaks for You?: The Inside Story of the Prosecutor Who Took Down Baltimore's Most Crooked Cops

The Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF) was a corrupt unit that robbed, sold drugs, and guns, and terrorized people throughout the city. In 2017, all members of the GTTF were arrested on federal racketeering charges. Leo Wise, the lead federal prosecutor in the case, shares the unbelievable twists and turns of the investigation and prosecution of these elite and corrupt cops, revealing how his team put together their case and successfully prosecuted them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

In the aftermath of Freddie Gray's tragic death and the subsequent protests that rocked Baltimore in 2015 and 2016, the city was in turmoil. Amidst this unrest, a violent, highly trained, and heavily armed criminal gang emerged, terrorizing the streets and engaging in a wide range of criminal activities, including robbery, drug trafficking, and gun sales. These individuals were not ordinary career criminals but rather members of the Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF), a unit formed in 2007 with the mission of removing guns and criminals from the streets. However, the GTTF went rogue, abusing their power and engaging in a reign of terror that plagued the city for years.

On March 1, 2017, a significant turning point occurred when all members of the GTTF were arrested on federal racketeering charges. The lead federal prosecutor in this case was Leo Wise, who provided an insightful and compelling account of the investigation and prosecution in his book, "Who Speaks for You?" In this book, Wise delves deep into the intricacies of the case, offering a firsthand perspective on the events that unfolded. He shares the incredible twists and turns that led to the arrest of these elite and corrupt cops, shedding light on their actions and the mechanisms that brought them to justice.

Wise's account is a remarkable testament to the dedication and professionalism of the federal prosecution team. He meticulously outlines the steps taken to build the case against the GTTF, from the initial investigation to the trial and court proceedings. He highlights the challenges faced by his team, including the need to gather evidence in a highly secretive and complex environment, as well as the obstacles they encountered from the defense attorneys representing the officers.

Throughout the book, Wise vividly recounts the trial and court proceedings, providing a detailed account of the evidence presented and the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense. He sheds light on the tactics employed by the officers, including the use of excessive force, falsifying records, and engaging in corrupt activities. He also highlights the bravery and resilience of the witnesses who came forward to testify against the officers, despite facing threats and intimidation.

One of the most striking aspects of Wise's account is his unwavering commitment to justice. He portrays the officers involved in the GTTF as not only criminals but also as betrayers of the public trust. He argues that their actions not only harmed the community but also undermined the legitimacy of the police force as a whole. Wise's portrayal of the officers' motives and mindset is particularly insightful, as he reveals the deep-seated corruption and disregard for the law that permeated the GTTF.

In addition to providing a detailed account of the investigation and prosecution, "Who Speaks for You?" also offers valuable insights into the broader police corruption issue. Wise explores the broader societal and cultural factors that contribute to police corruption, including the lack of accountability, the militarization of police forces, and the systemic racism that exists in law enforcement. He argues that addressing these issues is essential to preventing future episodes of police misconduct and restoring trust in the community.

Overall, "Who Speaks for You?" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true story of how federal law enforcement flipped the playbook and convicted a corrupt unit of Baltimore police. Leo Wise's account is a powerful and compelling testament to the dedication and professionalism of the federal prosecution team, as well as the broader societal and cultural factors that contribute to police corruption. This book provides a valuable perspective on the ongoing struggle to combat police misconduct and promote justice for all.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421446509