How State Attorney Responds When Asked if She Has Conflict of Interest Prosecuting Freddie Gray Case

Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby fought back Monday against accusations that she has a conflict of interest in prosecuting the Freddie Gray case.

“There is no conflict of interest. I mean, I’m going to prosecute. I’m the Baltimore City State’s attorney,” Mosby told CNN. “My jurisdiction covers every district in Baltimore City. There’s a number of crimes that take place in Baltimore City and unfortunately in the district that we live. Where is the conflict?”

The Fraternal Order of Police’s Baltimore City Lodge, however, was quick to point out reasons the organization felt Mosby should recuse herself from the case.

“While I have the utmost respect for you and your office, I have very deep concerns about the many conflicts of interest presented by your office conducting an investigation in this case,” wrote Gene Ryan, president of the Baltimore lodge, in a letter Friday.

“These conflicts include your personal and professional relationship with Gray family attorney, William Murphy, and the lead prosecutor’s connections with members of the local media,” he wrote. “Based on several nationally televised interviews, these reporters are likely to be witnesses in any potential litigation regarding this incident.”

Mosby, who comes from five generations of police officers, announced Friday that six officers would be charged in the death of Gray.

“The findings of our comprehensive, thorough and independent investigation, coupled with the medical examiner’s determination that Mr. Gray’s death was a homicide, which we received today, has led us to believe that we have probable cause to file criminal charges,” she said.

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