Former member of the Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF), Daniel Hersl, has decided to end his fight for release from prison, reports NEWS.ORG 45 News. Hersl, who was convicted for his involvement in the GTTF scandal, has expressed full responsibility for his actions and has instructed his attorney to halt all appeals.

Background: GTTF Scandal

The GTTF scandal, which shook the Baltimore City Police Department in 2017, involved eight corrupt officers who abused their authority over nearly a decade. These officers, including Hersl, exploited their badges to commit various crimes, such as drug and money theft from individuals.

Hersl’s Acknowledgment

In an email obtained by NEWS.ORG 45 News, Hersl admitted to his attorney, Chris Mandio, that he accepts full responsibility for his misconduct. This comes as a significant departure from his previous stance of denying any wrongdoing. Hersl expressed remorse for his actions and apologized for the mistreatment inflicted by him and his colleagues during their time as police officers.

Legal Proceedings

Hersl’s compassionate release motion, based partly on his declining health, was recently denied by a judge. Consequently, he has chosen to forego further legal battles and serve out his 18-year sentence. Despite inquiries, Mandio declined to comment on Hersl’s decision.

Legal Expert’s View

Kurt Nachtman, a former city prosecutor turned defense attorney, reflects on the impact of the GTTF scandal and Hersl’s belated admission. Nachtman believes it will take decades for Baltimore to recover from the scandal and considers Hersl’s acknowledgment to be too little, too late.

Impact on Victims

The fallout from the GTTF scandal extends to victims like Kevron Evans, also known as Young Moose, a Baltimore rapper. Evans was awarded $300,000 by the city after proving that Hersl had framed him, resulting in a wrongful two-year imprisonment. Attorney Warren Brown, who previously advocated for Evans, comments on Hersl’s change of heart, suggesting it might be motivated by impending mortality.

Conclusion: Hersl’s Fate

Having been found guilty of racketeering charges in 2018, Hersl’s decision to forgo further appeals means he will continue to serve his 18-year prison sentence. His acknowledgment of responsibility marks a significant development in the aftermath of the GTTF scandal, though for many, it comes too late to mitigate the damage caused.

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