Ex-Coppin State Officer Pleads Guilty to Sex Offense

A former Coppin State University police officer has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an incident in which he inappropriately touched a 16-year-old girl while on duty.

Jamar Brockington, 44, admitted in Baltimore Circuit Court to misconduct in office and a fourth-degree sex offense. The charges relate to a January 1 incident in which he offered the teenager a ride home but instead made unwanted physical contact with her. Brockington, a 17-year veteran of the force, is now on supervised probation for three years and must register as a sex offender for up to 15 years. He was credited for 110 days served in jail and home detention.

If he complies with the conditions of his probation, Brockington may request probation before judgment and ask to be removed from the sex offender registry after two and a half years.

According to prosecutors, Brockington approached the teen near the university around 4:30 a.m., citing concern for her safety due to recent gunfire in the area. After offering her a ride, he touched her inappropriately both in his patrol vehicle and later in a campus building before taking her to her residence at an independent living facility. He did not notify dispatch or activate his body camera during the encounter, but parts of the incident were captured on surveillance footage.

Assistant State’s Attorney Kimberly Rothwell said the teen supported the plea deal but was too emotionally impacted to speak in court. “It’s a shame that the officer posed himself as her savior,” Rothwell said. “It ruins trust.”

Coppin State University declined to comment.

Defense attorney Ryan Mooney said Brockington, a married father of three, has expressed remorse and is struggling with unemployment after losing his position. “He sympathizes with the victim and is apologetic,” Mooney said. “He wants to move on with his life.”

In a statement to the court, Brockington said he feels ashamed and doesn’t fully understand why he acted as he did. “I looked at her as my child,” he said. “And I let her down.”

Judge Jeannie J. Hong, who presided over the case, responded: “You had everything going for you. I don’t understand why.”

Brockington said he couldn’t explain his actions, to which the judge replied: “Only you can answer that.”

Ex-Coppin State Officer Pleads Guilty to Sex Offense Involving Teen Girl  was originally published on r1wolbbaltimore.staging.go.ione.nyc