Keith Nowlin, Accessing a Protected Computer Without Authorization, Maryland 2013

Baltimore, Maryland – In a shocking turn of events, a former Baltimore police officer has pleaded guilty to accessing a protected computer without authorization. 39-year-old Keith Nowlin, a resident of Laurel, Maryland, made headlines after exchanging text messages with a convicted drug dealer.

According to court documents, Nowlin, who was a Baltimore police officer assigned to the Northeast District at the time, exchanged text messages with Marvin Mobley, a known drug dealer. Mobley had requested information on a specific motor vehicle, which Nowlin obtained through a protected computer network. The information was then shared with Mobley, despite Nowlin’s knowledge that the request was not for legitimate law enforcement purposes.

The investigation revealed that Nowlin was not on duty at the time of the exchange and had requested the information through a Baltimore police sergeant, who believed the request was in furtherance of Nowlin’s police duties. However, Nowlin’s actions were deemed improper and unauthorized.

Marvin Mobley, the recipient of the illicit information, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The revelation raises serious concerns about police corruption and the misuse of protected computer systems.

Nowlin faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for August 1, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation, while thanking Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter J. Martinez for prosecuting the case.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of law enforcement agencies and the consequences of abusing power and authority.

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