Former Leader Of Gun Trace Task Force Pleads Guilty

The former leader of the Baltimore police Gun Trace Task Force pleaded guilty on Wednesday to racketeering conspiracy and nine related robberies, federal prosecutors said.

As indicated Monday by his attorney, former Sgt. Thomas Allers, 49, of Linthicum Heights, admitted to stealing money from victims, swearing out false affidavits and submitting false incident reports. Allers led the task force from July 2013 to June 2016.

He admitted to stealing more than $90,000 in shakedowns of residents. He is the fifth and the highest ranking current or former Baltimore officer to plead guilty in the case. Four others still face charges.

In one incident on or around April 28 of last year, Allers and other arrested someone at their home, then robbed occupants of more than $10,000. He signed off on a false incident report that didn't note the money that was seized. Later, one resident was shot and killed because he couldn't repay a drug debt.

Allers, who resigned from the department two weeks ago, faces up to 20 years in prison. He remains held until his sentencing hearing, which is set for Feb. 23.