Black and White and Thin Blue Lines: Recent Episodes
Clarke Ahlers & Serge Antonin
"We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.” Black and White and Thin Blue Lines is an original podcast created by two former police officers, Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers, who are inspired by the hopeful words of the Reverend Martin Luther King. Serge Antonin is African American. Clarke Ahlers is Caucasian. The podcast is a discussion about current issues in criminal justice and law enforcement, especially where these issues intersect the topic of race.
Join summer intern and law clerk Lauren Pountnay, Serge Antonin, and Clarke Ahlers as they veer off the beaten path of criminal justice issues to discuss something that everybody is talking about: the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This isn't a political diatribe. One (or maybe two) of the hosts make reference to apparent shortfalls of President Biden. Still, this is a fair and balanced discussion of the constitutional process of dealing with presidential disability. We hope you will listen, or watch the "Vodcast" on YouTube.
Say her name: Rachel Morin. On August 5th, 2023, Rachel -- a mother of five -- was murdered while exercising on the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in Hartford County, Maryland. Rachel's family turned to Maryland attorney Randolph Rice, the managing partner of Rice, Murtha & Psoras for assistance. In today's episode, Randolph Rice describes the efforts he and Morin family made to bring Rachel's killer to justice. Recently, Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was charged with Rachel's murder. Randolph Rice is a well known and respected courtroom advocate. The Rachel Morin matter also proves him to be one hell of a victim's advocate!
Join Serge and Clarke and special guest Lauren Pountnay for this podcast about the Hunter Biden trial. Lauren is a rising senior at N.C. State. She is Clarke's intern/law clerk for the summer of 2024. Lauren and Clarke attended one day of the Hunter Biden trial in Delaware and are interviewed by Serge about the trial. If you follow this podcast, you may be surprised at Clarke's analysis but whether you listen to this podcast regularly or are a new listener, this is an interesting assessment of one of the nation's biggest trials.
In this episode, Serge and Clarke discuss a video of Sean "Diddy" Combs assaulting Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura in the hallway of the L.A. InterContinental Hotel in 2016 as well as the recent Homeland Security search warrant raids on Diddy owned properties in Los Angeles and Miami. Clarke offers Diddy's team some legal advice. Serge disagrees. In the second portion of the podcast, the hosts discuss the defunded and demoralized Chicago Police Department's abject failure to timely respond to a woman's 911 call for help during a home invasion robbery.
And ... this is the first podcast (Season IV, Episode 2) that Serge and Clarke visually record the podcast have upload to YouTube. This may not be exciting to our longtime listeners, but to an old dog like Clarke and a "young adult" like Serge, this is good stuff!
A special thank you to Lauren P -- go Wolfpack!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU4KpMpJ7RE
Serge and Clarke begin Season IV with a discussion of the tragic shooting death of a United States Airman in his own home by a Deputy Sheriff in Okaloosa, Florida. Then Serge and Clarke discuss the efforts of Marilyn Mosby and her supporters, including the NAACP, to have the President of the United States pardon her before her sentencing in federal court. Clarke is okay with it; Serge ... not so much! It's an interesting episode with the podcast hosts mostly in disagreement. Where do you stand?
In Baltimore County, Maryland a man has been arrested and accused of creating and publishing a recording that purported to be a high school principal making offensive racial remarks to the vice-principal. This is the new world of artificial intelligence and is the topic of a discussion between Serge and Clarke. Be assured: this episode is a genuine Black and White and Thin Blue Lines podcast. Avoid cheap imitations!
In part 2 of the podcast, Kenny Somers reflects on the arrest, his incarceration, and his thoughts on the past and future of Baltimore.
Imagine the following story. "John Doe" steals a car -- or more accurately, John Doe steals the same car two times. The car owner, Kenny Somers, a professional automobile recycler, recovers the car the first time and attempts to recover the car a second time. But John Doe has other plans and tries to kill Kenny Somers. Somers fights back and prevails. Police are called. While police are investigating, Somers kicks John Doe in the head as John Doe lay on a sidewalk. This is part one of a two part series of how the criminal justice non-system in Baltimore treated John Doe, Kenny Somers, and the responding Baltimore City Police Officer. This podcast is worth a listen!
Join Serge and Clarke as they share Nathan Steelman's experience sitting as a juror in judgment of a woman charged with domestic violence in Florida. You have heard the expression "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6." (Clarke disagrees: he would rather be carried by six than judged by 12). But as you will learn, that expression doesn't work in Manatee County, Florida. This episode is interesting, entertaining, and informative. Enjoy.
Serge and Clarke comment in the murder of Ofc. Diller and update the listeners on renewed efforts on the Columbia Project. Worth a listen.
On August 24, 2023, a police officer of the 14-member Blendon Township (Ohio) Police Department shot and killed Ta'Kiya Young, a 21-year-old woman being detained for suspicion of shoplifting alcohol from a grocery store. The body worn camera evidence shows Young operating a vehicle in the parking lot of the grocery store during daylight hours. She doesn't do what the two arriving police officers tell her to do. With one officer at the driver's window, and another officer standing in front of the vehicle on the driver's side, Ms. Young turns the steering wheel of the car as far to the right as she can turn it and slowly begins moving the car forward. The Blendon Township officer standing in front of the vehicle fires one shot at close range through the windshield striking and killing the woman. Serge and Clarke discuss this case and -- at the end of the discussion -- you will wonder why this case hasn't enraged America as much as the George Floyd case did.
In this episode, Serge and Clarke acknowledge that Frederick County, Maryland is openly competing with Baltimore City, Maryland for the most upside down criminal justice non-system in America. Frederick County Sheriff "Chuck" Jenkins is under federal indictment accused of lying about machine gun purchases, Jenkins was required to turn over all of his guns to federal law enforcement. He is ordered by a federal judge not to carry a gun as a condition of his pre-trial release. So, what is he doing for a living? Why he reinstated himself as Sheriff of Frederick County, Maryland. When the going gets weird, the weird get going!
In this -- the 75th episode of Black and White and Thin Blue Lines -- Serge and Clarke discuss the public nuisance offense of urinating in public in the context of two cases: one in Mississippi and one in Texas, You decide if race was a motivating factor for what happened. Also, "you're in" and "urine" aren't the only homonyms or bad puns in this episode. Serge discusses the problem of people urinating in Baltimore alleys and Clarke discusses "Ally's law" in Texas and elsewhere.
If you enjoy this podcast, please recommend it to a friend. Thank you.
The recent controversy and criticism of Justice Clarence Thomas was the subject of enough off-air debate by Serge and Clarke that they turned it into an episode. What are some of the public mistakes (or worse) by Judges, and what should we as citizens do about it.
Join Serge and Clarke for a discussion with our special guest, Michael ("Mike") Johnson, who shares his smart, committed, and motivated view of training men and women to be law enforcement officers in this day and age. This is a must listen episode. Mike has unique ideas that ought to become the national standard for de-escalation and promoting confidence in law enforcement. Several of his ideas changed the way that Serge and Clarke think about the future of law enforcement training. This episode may change your thinking as well.
The title of this episode asks a question that few have ever thought about. Is it possible to be arrested in the United States by a non-citizen of the United States? It is! But listen anyway because Serge and Clarke discuss listener mail, and the topic of non-citizen police officers in this episode of Black and White and Thin Blue Lines.
On June 24, 2023, two LA County Deputy Sheriffs arrested two persons in Lancaster, CA under confusing circumstances. The first arrest was of a man that the deputies told was being detained for investigation. He was arrested -- but the deputies conducted no investigation from detention to arrest. The second arrest was of a woman who recorded the police detaining (or arresting) the man. One of the deputies threw the woman to the ground, put his hand and knee on her neck, and pepper sprayed her from a distance of about 12 inches. As far as Serge and Clarke can determine, he did this to stop her from recording the deputies even though the deputies were recording the incident on body worn cameras in a parking lot with security cameras.
A quick note of caution. In this episode, we play about five minutes of the body worn camera audio, which includes a small amount of cursing. Please be aware of this before you play this episode around children.
This story begins with a 1989 rape in Central Park, involves a New York real estate tycoon who threw gas on a fire, and evolves into a remarkable and inspiring story of citizenship. Serge and Clarke discuss the life (at least so far) of Yusef Salaam. This episode is a short listen about a modern mentor.
Do you have a favorite Supreme Court decision? Join Serge and Clarke and attorney Shawn Vinson in a lively discussion about each person's top five favorite decisions of the United States Supreme Court. We might surprise you!
On July 2, 2023, two to 12 gunslingers shot 30 people, including 14 children, at a single holiday block party in Baltimore. No police officers were assigned to the event where 700 to 1000 people had gathered. But at the same time, many extra police officers were assigned to traditionally white areas of Baltimore festivity. Serge and Clarke discuss what happened, the anemic response by our government, and the double standard of justice that fails to hold city leaders accountable.
Join Serge and Clarke in a discussion with our special guest Kemp Freund as we discuss the charges brought against School Resource Officer Scot Peterson for his inaction during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre on February 14, 2018. On June 28, 2023 Peterson was found not guilty on all 11 counts brought against him by a jury in Florida. Was the verdict just? Listen to our thoughts.
A fatal stabbing on the J train is the subject of this week's podcast. Five weeks after Daniel Perry fatally choked Jordan Neely on the New York subway system, 20-year-old Jordan Williams is charged with manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon for the fatal stabbing of Devictor Ouedraogo. Serge and Clarke discuss the differences, similarities, and social ramifications of this recent New York subway homicide.
Debra Saltz is one of Maryland's best attorneys. She clerked for the late, great Joseph Murphy, she worked as a public defender in Baltimore County, and she served as a prosecutor in Howard County for four years. Debra has also been in private practice for many years, especially concentrating in criminal defense. Debra is a free thinker and she is untethered to the rote acceptance of traditional liberal or conservative policies. In this episode, Debra first talks about a couple of her "hate crime" cases, and then shares her idea on how to curb America's gun violence problem. Debra's idea is an idea whose time may have arrived. Whether you agree with her or not, her idea is provocative, creative, and uniquely Debra.
The January 6th breach of the U.S. Capitol resulted in one of the most extensive criminal investigations spearheaded by the FBI in the history of the United States. In today's episode, Serge and Clarke speak with attorney David Fischer, who represented the alleged mastermind of the breach: Thomas Caldwell. Caldwell's acquittal of the most serious charges shocked the D.C. press corps. This is a fascinating interview about the accused, the defense strategy, and the trial.
In Queens, New York, a man shoots and kills a robber. The shooter's conduct is determined to be self-defense, but he is charged with firearms violations. In Charlotte, North Carolina, a bus driver shoots back at a passenger shooting at him! The bus driver is not charged with a crime, but is fired by the employer. In this episode, Serge and Clarke discuss the breaking of the social contract, citizens arming themselves, and the defenses of necessity, duress, justification, and choice of evils.
In 2022, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the "proper cause" gun permit requirements of New York prevent law-abiding citizens from free exercise of their second amendment rights to keep and bear arms in public for ordinary self-defense. This decision effectively negated Maryland law. In its very next session, the Maryland General Assembly passed new gun laws restricting the places that a person may carry even a lawfully possessed firearm. The unintended consequence of the new law is J'Den McArdory, a 20-year-old man who is protesting the new law by forming his own militia and carrying an AR-15 style weapon at a school bus stop in Severn, Maryland.
On May 11th, 2023, Baltimore Police Detective Cedric Elleby shot a fleeing suspect holding a semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine in his right hand. The young man had not fired the weapon at the time he was shot. He was not pointing the pistol at Detective Elleby or anyone else. He was running away from the police and he was apparently shot in the back. Serge and Clarke discuss this controversial case.
Daniel Penny is charged with manslaughter, second degree, after holding Jordan Neely in a choke hold on the NY City Subway F Train. In this episode, Serge and Clarke discuss this sad, but compelling, case.
In rural New York, a 65-year old man fired two shots from his porch killing a young woman in a car who was lost and turned around in his driveway. In Missouri, an 84-year old man fired two shots from his front door injuring a teenager who rang his bell, mistakenly at the wrong address to pick up his younger brothers. In both cases, activists allege that stand your grounds laws are in part responsible for these tragic circumstances. Serge and Clarke discuss the cases and dismiss stand your ground arguments, but disagree on the lessons from these cases.
In rural New York, a 65-year old man fired two shots from his porch killing a young woman in a car who was lost and turned around in his driveway. In Missouri, an 84-year old man fired two shots from his front door injuring a teenager who rang his bell, mistakenly at the wrong address to pick up his younger brothers. In both cases, activists allege that stand your grounds laws are in part responsible for these tragic circumstances. Serge and Clarke discuss the cases and dismiss stand your ground arguments, but disagree on the lessons from these cases.
Two months before the death of George Floyd, seven California Highway Patrolmen - including a Sergeant -- and one nurse held Edward Bronstein face down while handcuffed behind his back to take blood in a DUI case pursuant to a search warrant. Bronstein screamed that he couldn't breathe. The incident was videotaped. Bronstein died during the incident allegedly due to methamphetamine intoxication and positional asphyxiation. Los Angeles District Attorney charged the seven patrolmen and the nurse with involuntary intoxication in March of 2023. Today's episode takes a look at this disturbing case.
Serge and Clarke "reimagine" the qualifications to be a police chief in 2023. We tell you what cops say they want; want the IACP says it wants; and what the DOJ says it wants in a police chief. But, Serge lists his list of qualifications and Clarke lists his. We guarantee you that some of the ideas will surprise you.
Serge and Clarke discuss a controversial January 2023 proposal in the Massachusetts legislature to let Massachusetts inmates reduce their prison sentences by donating bone marrow or organs, such as a kidney. Their are pros and cons of course and these ideas are the subject of today's podcast.
Reverend P.M. Smith, Pastor of the Huber Memorial Church in Baltimore City is this week’s guest on Black and White and Thin Blue Lines. Pastor Smith brings an unmatched focus on crime in Baltimore. He is a Baltimore born and raised former criminal defense attorney and now the Pastor of Christian community. If you watch television or read the news in Baltimore, you are familiar with Reverend Smith. In this episode, the good Reverend preaches to the choir: Serge and Clarke.
On January 7, 2023, the Memphis Police Department's Scorpion Unit stopped and caused serious physical injury to 29-year-old Tyre Nichols. Mr. Nichols died in a hospital three days later. Five officers were fired on January 20, 2023. The same five officers -- Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, Jr., and Justin Smith -- were charged by Grand Jury Indictment on Thursday, January 26, 2023, with second-degree murder and other charges. Video of the incident was released on Friday evening, January 27, 2023. In this episode, Clarke moderates a discussion by Serge and special guest Sergeant William Jackson about this serious, agonizing event.
In the first episode of 2023, Serge and Clarke discuss an alarming statistic: 2022 had more people killed by law enforcement than at any time since police deadly force has been tracked. Also, there was an increase in the number of police officers who were shot in the line of duty.
The legal profession is filled with high-extroversion, low-content, self-promoters more interested in lining their pockets than achieving justice for their clients. And then, there is Sam Nalli. Sam tells the listeners about his background and interest in the law, and takes us behind the scenes in the defense of a 17-year old child charged as an adult with first-degree murder. The story is about a high stakes trial, the high stress that accompanies the trial, and the high commitment of an outstanding local attorney who achieved something resembling justice for his client. A must listen for law students, lawyers and all persons concerned about the criminal justice system in Maryland, and especially about the need for outstanding public defender and public defender panel representation.
In the last episode, Serge and Clarke discussed the idea of a trial penalty. A trial penalty occurs when an accused citizen rejects a plea offer, goes to trial, and is convicted but receives a sentence grossly disproportionate to the plea offer. In this episode, Serge and Clarke interview Gary Baynor about an incredible story of injustice: a trial penalty of 70 extra years incarceration after being acquitted of the most serious charges. This case is about racism witnessed by Clarke Ahlers who has defended Gary Baynor from 1995 to 2022, when a courageous Assistant State's Attorney Becky Feldman reviewed the case and agreed to approach the Circuit Court for Baltimore City with a joint request for a re-sentencing.
In this episode, Serge and Clarke explore the phenomenon of the diminishing trial by jury. After explaining the statistics -- which are shocking -- Serge and Clarke seek to answer the questions of why the trial by jury is disappearing and the consequences of this significant change to the criminal justice process in America.
Serge and Clarke discuss the tragic circumstances surrounding the arrest, guilty plea and sentenced in the Brittney Griner case. Brittney, a WNBA all star, was arrested at a Moscow airport in February of 2022 for .7 grams of cannabis oil in her luggage. She was convicted and sentenced to 9 years of hard labor in a Russian penal colony. It appears that the Biden administration is negotiating a prisoner exchange for the notorious "Merchant of Death," Viktor Bout. The Griner case implicates race, gender and sexual identity in an international injustice.
The Supreme Court tells us that we have no constitutional right to expect the police to protect us, unless we are in their custody. Yet a Baltimore City Police Officer is sentenced to 60 days incarceration for not preventing an assault and a Yonkers Police Sergeant is under investigation for not stopping an assault. Serge and Clarke explore this vexing situation in this podcast.
Two for the price of one in this episode. Serge and Clarke contacted Moe Robinson because he teaches firearms law and skills to applicants for Maryland's carry permits. But he first shared his views on police leadership; they are so good we made the episode about both things: police leadership and firearms training for carrying a firearm in Maryland. Please listen to this excellent police leader!
Several listeners have asked Clarke and Serge for their advice on hiring a lawyer. In this episode, Clarke and Serge discuss everything from solo to big firm, hourly to fixed rate, young lawyer to senior advocate, local attorney to outsider, as well as the personal bias of the co-hosts when it comes to hiring a lawyer. We plan to upload this episode as a permanent part of the website.
In Maryland, most of the rehabilitation of adjudicated delinquent offenders is the domain of correctional personnel. Dr. Keith Hannon, Ph.D., has had a 30-year career as a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in the Maryland juvenile justice system. Dr. Hannan challenges the efficacy of the Maryland system, compares it to the District of Columbia juvenile justice system, and makes a compelling argument that mental health professionals should determine the appropriate treatment and should run our juvenile treatment facilities.
On June 23, 2022, the United States Supreme Court in a case called NY State Pistol & Rifle Association v. Bruen decided that New York's penal statute which required a particularized showing of "proper cause" in order to obtain a wear and carry pistol permit was unconstitutional. The second amendment guarantees to all citizens the personal right of self defense. States may prohibit a permit to convicted felons, persons with mental health problems, drug or alcohol addiction, or persons who refuse to be fingerprinted. But more wear and carry handgun permits are on the horizon. Serge and Clarke analyze the case and discuss what this means for law enforcement officers and others.
This podcast is the story of "Randy" Morton. Randy grew up in West Baltimore where a mentor steered him into Boy Scouts. Randy committed and became anEagle Scout. After high school, he joined the military. After the military, he worked as a "drill sergeant" in Maryland Department of Corrections' Boot Camps. Then he joined the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department where he has worked for more than two decades. Along the way he became a pastor and a youth counselor, husband, and father. This is a podcast about indefatigable commitment to the community. You might even hear a four letter word: love. And what is Randy up to now -- bringing mental health awareness to law enforcement officer and first responders. If you ever wonder what heroes sound like, listen to this episode.
On May 24, 2022, 73S minutes passed between the time the time the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police arrived at Robb Elementary School and the time Room 111 was breached by the Border Patrol Swat Team. By then 376 law enforcement officers had arrived on the scene.
How is it possible for hundreds of police officers to stand impotent against one armed teenager who killed 19 children and 2 teachers. That is what this report addresses. Listen to hear what it doesn't address.
BPD Police Lieutenant Wayne Wilson takes us back to old school policing in Baltimore and shares his wisdom about the O'Malley years, the best Baltimore Police Commissioner in the last 50 years, the police response to the Uvalde school shooting, and how the failure of the Baltimore School System is related to the city's homicide rate. To criminal justice junkies like Serge and Clarke -- this is good stuff!
Are you a police officer serving any department in the State of Maryland. Serge and Clarke implore you to listen to Parts 1 and 2 of the Maryland Police Accountability and Discipline Act podcasts. The new law went into effect on July 1, 2022. This is what YOU need to know.
If you are a police officer anywhere in the State of Maryland, or a lawyer with police officer clients, this is part one of a two-part podcast about the new Police Accountability and Discipline Act. The Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights is repealed. It is critical for police officers and the lawyers who represent them to get ahead of the curve to survive the administrative challenges of this new law!
Have you ever wondered why certain search warrants are served by SWAT teams and whether you are safer -- or in great danger -- when a SWAT team arrives? This episode is a very interesting discussion with a SWAT officer in a "major city on the East coast of the United States." Serge and Clarke think you will enjoy this discussion.
Our last podcast described the racist criminal mayhem in Buffalo, NY. After the podcast was uploaded for broadcast, but before it was released, Salvadore Ramos killed 19 school children and two teachers in Ulvade, Texas. Serge and I promised our listeners that we would address this ongoing problem in our next podcast. We have. After a short discussion about the Ulvade massacre, Serge and I discuss "The Columbia Plan." The Columbia Plan is our ten-point idea to call upon America's best and brightest to determine the best practices to prevent or significantly deter intentional mass casualty events. In the 19th century, "Columbia" was the goddess-like personification of the United States and liberty itself. Our 21 century idea is to mimic the Manhattan Project (1942-1946) with the goal of assessing and publishing the best ideas from 20 disciplines to stop or deter intentional mass casualty events. Serge and I have put our thoughts to paper. We are writing to everyone and their brother. We ask you to listen and to join in a push to address this national crisis.
Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers discuss the May 14, 2022 mass shooting at the Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, New York. Payton Gendron, an 18-year-old white male, has been indicted for killing ten and wounding three. 11 of the victims were black. Serge and Clarke discuss the known facts of the tragic incident, consider the response of the President, and then discuss a plan to understand why mass shootings are quickly become the new normal in the United States.
In this episode, Serge and Clarke discuss the under-publicized but highly questionable police shooting of Patrick Lyoya on April 4, 2022 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Keep you eyes on Grand Rapids in the next several months. Hear and learn about the case right here.
The lives of so many Baltimore children are beset by the trauma of violence. In this podcast, Serge and Clarke talk to a man whose father was shot in the head in Baltimore when the man was in the second grade. He remembers being driven to Shock Trauma in a police car, where his father survived, but blinded and paralyzed. Hear the remarkable story of a man dedicated to making our world a better place by mentoring youth on the job and off. His 501(c)(3) enterprise is called Save Our Young. We invite you to meet this remarkable man, learn more about him, and to support his mission. www.soybaltimore.org.
Black and White and Thin Blue Lines introduces our listeners to men and women who fight the eternal battle for justice, or those who have fought it, or those who aspire to fight it. In our first episode of Season 2, we invite you to get to know the father/son team of lawyers, Lenny Stamm and Michael Stamm, who are leading the defense bar charge against the "forensic malpractice" (our words, not theirs) of the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Division crime lab blood testing. First, the listeners get to know two great lawyers and then Lenny and Michael give us an education on the scientific process of determining the amount of alcohol in a person's blood and the reasons the Maryland State Police crime lab was found to be non-conforming by its audit agency -- about six months before they told anybody. This episode is at once technical and interesting. We hope you will listen.
As communities struggle with increasing violence, school boards debate the utility of having police officers assigned to public schools. Two leading Democrat Presidents -- Clinton and Obama -- urged Congress to fund SROs (School Resource Officers) nationwide. Yet, the United States Department of Justice and the Department of Education have issued reports that SROs discipline African American students at a higher rate than Caucasian students. Kemp Freund, a retired police officer with a wealth of youth services experience, offers his keen insight on the value of the SRO program designed in the model of a guidance counselor/faculty member with special training in counseling and anti-violence initiatives. If you are the parent of a school aged child, or a citizen concerned with the future of our youth and country, this episode is worth a listen.
Assistant State's Attorney Natasha Blount ("Tasha") joins Serge and Clarke to debate the best five courtroom movies of all time and one agreed upon honorable mention. Hear Tasha's persuasive reason for not including "A Few Good Men" in her list. But it is Tasha's number one movie that leaves Clarke speechless -- something more than a few people might consider the best reason yet to listen to an episode.
Listeners know the seriousness of the problems this podcast often discusses. In this episode, we share our thoughts about something we all love: the movies. Serge and Clarke know that you will enjoy listening, especially to Tasha.
Part II of the podcast: Maryland State Police v Trooper of the Year. In this episode Clarke, Serge and TFC Kashef Khan talk about a bizarre trial board where the prosecutor's first witness against TFC Khan was TFC Khan. When Clarke Ahlers called an IAD investigator to the stand in the defense case, an Assistant Attorney General objected and claimed that Ahlers was attempting to introduce perjurious testimony into the proceeding. (Yes, the Prosecutor warned the Hearing Board that the testimony of the IAD investigator ought to be excluded because it was attempted perjury.) If you care about Maryland's finest, and you listen to this podcast, you will want to call Governor Hogan and ask him what the hell is going on in Pikesville? Or as Clarke and Serge say: "Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be Troopers." And an update: Khan was fired on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
Serge and I discuss the backward world of the Maryland State Police with one of its own. You will hear from a "brown skin Muslim" who was awarded the 2019 statewide "Trooper of the Year" by Governor Hogan. But the next year -- when he again outperformed every other trooper -- this Trooper First Class was told that a brown skin Muslim will NOT be the face of the agency two years in a row. Then a white Sergeant accused the Trooper of falsifying the location of a traffic stop in spite of four permanent MSP records that accurately recorded the location of the stop. The accusation of false report bordered on the absurd. The Maryland State Police cannot explain why key evidence is missing. But none of that mattered; an Assistant Attorney General advocated that an administrative hearing board convict the Trooper of the Year and recommend his termination to the Superintendent. And they did that. This is part 1 of a two part podcast. You will want to write to Governor Hogan and move to Florida after this one.
In this episode Serge and Clarke discuss two unrelated events: (1) the sentencing of former police officer Kim Potter after her conviction for manslaughter in the shooting death of Daunte Wright, and (2) an unfolding story of disparate treatment of two teenagers involved in a fight in a Bridgewater, New Jersey, shopping mall by police officers who arrive at the scene. One of the teenagers is Caucasian and one of the teenagers is African American.
Both matters have received extensive press coverage, but Serge and Clarke offer facts and observations not found in press reports of these matters.
In honor of Black History Month, Serge and Clarke interview the third African American woman appointed to the Superior Court of New Jersey. Serge was able to secure this interview because Frances Lawrence Antonin, who helped break barriers for African American female attorneys especially in New Jersey, is his mother. Clarke recommends this interview for a reason not nearly as important as Judge Antonin's achievement: this is an interesting woman who shares her life's experience in a kind way that is certain to inspire us all to be better citizens and fellow Americans. This Episode is Part 1. The second part of the interview will be uploaded in one week on February 16, 2022. Enjoy.
On January 13, 2022, the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland announced a four-count federal indictment against the Hon. Marilyn Mosby, the State's Attorney for Baltimore City. There are two counts of perjury related to making a withdraw of funds from her retirement account after alleging a Covid hardship and two counts of making a false statement on a loan application. The U.S. Attorney's Press Release, and statements made by experts, refer to a $45k federal tax lien. Mr. Steve Kauffman, a former IRS agent, a CPA, and an attorney help Serge and Clarke work through the Indictment. This episode is interesting and may just change your mind about what is going on here.
On December 29, 2021 at 9:41 PM, two Village of Bradley police officers -- Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and Officer Tyler Bailey -- responded to a Comfort Inn motel for a call about barking dogs left in a car. While investigating this minor complaint, Ofc. Bailey was shot in the head; Sgt. Rittmanic killed with her own firearm. Two young persons have been arrested: Darius Sullivan, the accused shooter, and his pregnant girlfriend, Xandria Harris. In this episode, Clarke describes this unfolding case in detail and then Serge and Clarke discuss the local prosecutor's call for the federal death penalty.
Serge and Clarke update their audience on everything from Derek Chauvin's federalconviction to Kyle Rittenhouse's celebrity status, along with Serge's "worst of the year" and Clarke's "best of the year." An easy listen but with a note of sadness at the beginning of the episode as Serge and Clarke acknowledge the passing of Baltimore Police Officer Keona Holley.
On December 16, 2021 on Pennington Avenue in Curtis Bay, BPD Officer Keona Holley, on-duty, in uniform, and sitting in a marked Baltimore police cruiser was shot multiple times by two men. The men then fled, only to shoot and kill a civilian in Baltimore about 90 minutes later. The Baltimore Police Department has arrested two men for these cruel and wicked crimes. In this unscheduled podcast, Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers react to the story of Officer Keona Holley -- the latest casualty in the war on police.
On August 23, 2020, a white Kenosha police officer, Rusten Sheskey, shot a black man, Jacob Blake, in the back during a call for service. Riots erupted. Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17-year old armed with a rifle, shot three men during the riots, killing two. Many were outraged and condemned Rittenhouse as a "white supremacist." Then candidate Biden wrote: "These shots pierce the soul of our nation." Rittenhouse was indicted and charged as an adult. His trial took place during November, 2021. A news camera was allowed into the courtroom. On November 19, 2021, Rittenhouse was found 'not guilty' on all charges. In this podcast, Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers discuss what they believe contributed to the incident and whether the case is a statement case about race in America.
Our guest in this episode is Sgt. James Lilley, Howard County Police Department, ret. James ('Jim") Lilley is a nationally renowned expert in police tactics, the creator of a police training series on handgun retention by police, and the author of fiction and non-fiction books. He is a former marine and a lifetime student of karate, awarded his 9th degree black belt in Okinawa in 2011. In this episode, Jim discusses the proper use of choke holds in self-defense and why he believes that police ought to be trained in the use of the choke hold. Our guest explains that Derek Chauvin's knee to the neck of George Floyd was an unwarranted use of force that was NOT a choke hold.
On February 26, 2012, a “neighborhood watch captain” named George Zimmerman shot and killed a young African American man named Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida. Almost eight years later to the day, in Brunswick, Georgia, 264 miles due north of Sanford, Florida, a group of self-appointed law enforcers – Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan -- pursued another African American man, Ahmaud Arbery. During the pursuit, Travis McMichael twice shot Ahmaud Arbery in the chest with a shotgun killing him. The two cases are remarkably similar. In this episode, Serge and Clarke reflect on the way in which the cases unfolded, the juries were selected, and the shooters defended themselves in the courtroom.
The chief prosecutor in Baltimore City and Prince George's County Maryland released their respective "Do Not Call Lists" after a Maryland appellate court ruling. The "Do Not Call Lists" are lists of former and current federal, state, and local law enforcement officers deemed unfit to testify by prosecutors because the prosecutors question the officer's credibility. In some cases, the officers have been convicted of crimes. In other cases, the officers have been charged and convicted of administrative wrongdoing. In some cases, the officer has not been charged administratively or criminally. Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers evaluate "Do Not Call Lists" and offer support for their conflicting opinions.
In the United States, many states have made medical marijuana available to anyone with a medical marijuana card. Some states have decriminalized marijuana and still others have made recreational marijuana use legal for adults. Serge and Clarke discuss their thoughts on this subject and especially the need for better THC testing for drugged driving cases.
The body of Gabrielle ("Gabby") Petito has been recovered and ruled a homicide. Fifteen days before the likely date of her death, Moab (Utah) Police responded to a reported assault. Their handling of the assault has been widely criticized by domestic violence experts and law enforcement sources. In this episode, Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers, dissect the police response. Serge and Clarke largely disagree in this interesting episode about one response to domestic violence.
On September 11, 2021, FBI agents attempted to arrest Maryland Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Newell. The agents entered his residence in Caroline County, Maryland and found the judge dead from a single gunshot wound. The death has been determined to be a suicide. Serge and Clarke discuss this unusual case and the allegation of child exploitation. This is an interesting, and perhaps provocative, episode.
In this episode Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers attempt to figure out what a police officer in the District of Columbia may do to accomplish the handcuffing and disarming of a felony suspect in custody. As the listener will hear, the police and procedure of the Metropolitan Police Department is almost unintelligible. Please see the show notes for the actual Body Worn Camera video and the Attachments that officers are supposed to follow in a use of force situation.
On August 8, 2021, three officers (later joined by others) attempted to arrest a man in the 1500 block of U Street in the Anacostia neighborhood. The man was suspected of distributing drugs and was believed to possess a handgun. As two officers held the man's arms and attempted to handcuff him, another officer punched the man in the face/head approximately 8 times. The incident was captured on video, quickly uploaded, and became the source of community outcry. The officers were suspended and referred for criminal prosecution. In this episode of BWTBL, Serge and Clarke evaluate the case by use of the MPD's Use of Force policy. This is the first of two episodes on this subject that we hope will be of interest to anyone attempting to understand the actions of the officer, the Department or the United States Attorney.
Serge and Clarke interview our first guest, Police Officer "J.B." JB, who is still working as a police officer, describes the evening that he and a partner were shot by a drug suspect that JB was chasing. JB describes his reaction in the seconds after the shots were fired, the effect that the crime had on himself and his family, the prosecution of the offender, and JB's continued commitment to the citizens he is sworn to protect. Police Commissioners take heed: these are the kind of outstanding police officers you serve!
First recorded in March of 2021, Serge and Clarke evaluate evolving police tactics of response to "active shooters." The lexicon, history, and tactics are evaluated from the 1966 Texas Tower in Austin to the 2021 Boulder, Colorado grocery store mass shooting. For those familiar with Howard County, Maryland, Serge and Clarke also discuss the 2014 Columbia Mall active shooter situation. Clarke says: "one of our best."
Serge and Clarke discuss the original idea of W.E.B. Du Bois that is now the slogan of the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Serge argues for more money for police agencies, while Clarke -- who disagrees with the basic idea of "defunding the police" -- argues that police departments need to use capitalist models to evaluate, plan and ultimately spend less money in the fight against crime.
An increasingly complicated problem in America is the wounding and killing of unintended victims. There are so many shootings in so many locations, including highways, that the daily news reports children and adults being harmed who weren't even intended to be harmed by the trigger pullers. Serge and Clarke talk about this phenomenon, especially in the context of some stop and frisk policies being labeled as racist.
Videos of Ocean City, Maryland Police Officers kicking, tackling, and even using a taser on young African American males to enforce the prohibition against vaping on the Boardwalk prompt this week's discussion. Serge and Clarke explain the Ocean City ordinances and comment upon the enforcement strategies which have resulted in a public relations debacle for the resort town.
Also, updates on Derek Chauvin's sentence, the trial date in the Cassie Johnson case, and MSP continues to discriminate against brown and black Troopers.
Thirty-seven Baltimore businesses threatened a taxpayer revolt unless the city provided sufficient police protection to the Fells Points community. Counter-protestors threatened to boycott these same businesses unless they paid taxes. The politics of police protection in Baltimore is the topic of this podcast.
The acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland holds a press conference to announce an expanded Project EXILE in Baltimore. He shares the stage with State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers consider the confusing messages being sent by Marilyn Mosby who told her constituents that the most serious problem facing African Americans in Baltimore is the systemically racist criminal justice system.
Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers discuss the December 5th, 2020 traffic stop of Virginia National Guard Second Lieutenant Caron Nazario in Windsor, Virginia. The CCN, Fox and MSNBC television "experts" missed a critical opportunity to explain the law of traffic stops to a nationwide audience. Serge and Clarke discuss the law and police tactics. Can the police order you -- or Caron Nazario -- out of a car during a traffic stop? Find out.
In this episode Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers discuss the recent phenomenon of body worn cameras and the impact the cameras had in the prosecution of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd, the anticipated prosecution of Kim Potter for the shooting death of Daunte Wright, and the probability that the shooting of Ma'Khia Bryant by Police Officer Nicholas Reardon will be ruled legally justified and within policy.
Serge and Clarke discuss the tragic circumstance of a young, dedicated law enforcement officer killed after responding to a call for service involving an illegally parked car in the town of Charleston, West Virginia.
Black and White and Thin Blue Lines’ co-hosts, Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers, discuss the intersection of Maryland law enforcement and race in a discussion about the recent complaint from African-American state troopers that they are under-represented on the Maryland State Police, singled out for discipline, and treated more harshly than white troopers in administrative disciplinary decisions.
This complaint was the subject of an NBC Washington investigative report by Tracee Wilkins, the Prince George’s County Bureau Chief. The Associated Press has published articles in the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, and the Maryland Daily Record about this issue.
Serge and Clarke discuss the complaint, statistics about African-American participation on the Maryland State Police and personal experiences in defending some involved troopers.
In this podcast, your hosts Serge and Clarke discuss the process of picking a jury in the Minnesota trial involving George Floyd's accused killer, former police officer Derek Chauvin. The hosts discuss whether press reports and discussion with others would render them ineligible to be on the jury, and discuss the process of picking a jury in a criminal case.
“We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.”Black and White and Thin Blue Lines is an original podcast created by two former police officers, Serge Antonin and Clarke Ahlers, who are inspired by the hopeful words of the Reverend Martin Luther King. Serge Antonin is African American. Clarke Ahlers is Caucasian.