A former Coppin State University police officer, Jamar Brockington, has entered a guilty plea to charges of misconduct in office and a fourth-degree sex offense after an incident involving a 16-year-old girl. According to FOX Baltimore, Brockington, a 17-year veteran, was sentenced to three years with all but 110 days suspended, as well as three years' probation upon release, and a requirement to register as a Tier 1 sex offender for up to 15 years.
On New Year's Day 2025, Brockington offered to drive the young girl home from Coppin State's campus. During the ride, he initiated unwanted sexual advances that escalated to physical contact on three separate occasions. The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office reported that campus video footage captured two of the three instances. The girl reported the incident upon reaching her home, prompting a Baltimore Police Department investigation. Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates condemned the actions, stating, "Offenses like this are intolerable and inexcusable in any circumstances, but even more so where a police officer, whose very job it is to protect our youth from predatory behavior like this, is the one who commits the crime," as detailed by WMAR2 News.
Brockington turned himself in on January 10 and was subsequently held without bond for two months before being released on house arrest. The speed of the case's resolution, facilitated by the cooperation between various law enforcement agencies, has been highlighted as a key factor in the plea and sentencing. Coppin State University students, however, expressed dismay and concern, citing a lack of communication about the incident.
The probationary period allows Brockington to potentially request probation before judgment after two and a half years and to seek to be removed from the sex offender registry, a detail reported by The Baltimore Banner. Assistant State’s Attorney Kimberley Rothwell described the victim as too traumatized to make a court statement but indicated her support for the plea agreement. "It's a shame that the officer posed himself as her savior," Rothwell said, aligning with the public's sentiment on the betrayal of trust inherent in the crime. Brockington's attorney, Ryan Mooney, stated that his client feels remorseful and needs to move on, now focusing on supporting his family following his dismissal from the University police force.
