Attorney claims cover up in Taser probe

According to police reports, on Nov. 18, Gray was shocked two times, 23 seconds apart, by a Taser operated by a sheriff’s deputy. Gray was pronounced dead at about 7:30 a.m., at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

Toxicology results and a death determination from Gray’s autopsy could take until the end of the year, according to Sheriff Chuck Jenkins (R).

Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, sheriff’s office spokeswoman, said Jenkins (R) will hold a press conference today at 3 p.m. with updates on the case, including the name of the deputy involved in the incident.

To date, Jenkins has only identified the deputy involved as a 13-year corporal, who is an ‘‘experienced veteran” of the sheriff’s office. That deputy remains on administrative leave with pay.

Regarding the deputy’s identity, Jenkins said in addition to ‘‘officer safety” he is also respecting the ‘‘emotional well-being of our deputy,” following Gray’s death.

‘‘He has experienced something I wish no one has to experience and it has been traumatic for him and [his family],” the sheriff said. ‘‘As hard as this is for the Gray family, it is equally as hard for him. I want to allow him time to deal emotionally and personally.”

The sheriff’s office is investigating whether the deputy was justified in using his Taser stun gun on Gray, and the Frederick Police Department is investigating the circumstances of Gray’s death.

Last week, Jenkins told The Gazette that he was planning to release the findings of a pair of investigations into the matter hopefully by Nov. 30, but that announcement never occurred.

On Tuesday, Jenkins said a delay in revealing more information is due to problems coordinating schedules between the two police departments.

‘‘There is no attempt to hide anything or withhold anything,” he said. ‘‘[Investigations are] a time-consuming process ... along with the fact that there are other things [in my office] including day-to-day operations, but this is a priority.”

Jenkins said he wants to ensure that all details revealed in a press conference are ‘‘accurate and factual.”

While Jenkins said the Gray family has been ‘‘patient” with his office, the family’s attorney, Williams, said they are ‘frustrated, vigilant and very concerned that [the sheriff’s office] is closing ranks around its officer.”

Williams said that Jenkins has already changed his story regarding the number of times the Taser was used on Gray.

At his press conference on Nov. 19, Jenkins said the deputy administered one shock. After meeting with investigators and checking the piece of equipment the next day, the sheriff’s office said two shocks were administered 23 seconds apart..

Through his own investigation, Williams said he can refute another of Jenkins’ claims regarding only one officer at the scene at the time Gray was hit with the Taser.

‘‘Our investigation shows ...the deputy was not alone at the scene when he [used the Taser on] that young man, specifically the second time,” Williams said.

Williams said he and Gray’s family would hold their own press conference following Jenkins’ disclosure about the investigations.