Baltimore City Council members react to FBI raid on Safe Streets location amid allegations of gang affiliation
Baltimore (WBFF) — The latest development involving Safe Streets coming into focus Thursday night, as Baltimore City Council members weigh in about those serious allegations against one of the crime intervention program's locations.
FOX45 News was at City Hall where councilmembers were asked to respond.
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"As you all know, I'm a huge fan of Safe Streets," said Odette Ramos, who represents District 14.
"These (Safe Streets workers) are City employees, their salaries are paid for with taxpayer dollars," said Isaac "Yitzy" Schleifer, who represents District 5.
City lawmakers spoke out after learning about the morning FBI raid at the Safe Streets Belair-Edison location along with two employee homes.
The FBI is not releasing details, but sources tell FOX45 News that federal agents are looking into possible gang affiliation.
At an unrelated hearing at city hall Thursday night, we caught up with two council members, one who supports Safe Streets, the other with critical questions about the program. Both with concerns about the FBI raid and those serious allegations.
"It's not surprising at all. We've been, myself and a couple of colleagues, have been very vocal on just standard accountability and transparency. And we've gotten none of that," said Schleifer.
"Obviously serious allegations. It would be serious allegations if anybody had that happened to them. So, I look forward to finding out more about what happened and what the investigation holds and see what comes out of it," said Ramos.
FOX45 Newssent questions to the entire City Council asking their reaction to the FBI raid on the Safe Streets location and if they support calls for an audit on the 20-million dollar agency.
Mark Conway, Chair of the council's Public Safety and Government Operations Committee responded with a statement reading:
"This is concerning to see and I am seeking additional information. We should always expect public safety agencies and those that receive city funds to carry out important public safety initiatives to follow the law.”
"None of this surprises us. The people who oversee (Safe Streets), MONSE, has a lot more questions now to answer," said Schleifer.
Concern from council members, but despite these latest developments, no one said it's time to shut the agency down, at least temporarily, until critical questions are answered.
