Annapolis Police Department Ignores Request for Documents Related to Probe into Extortion Attempt Against Alderman

Annapolis Police Department officials has ignored a request for documents related to the investigation into a local man's alleged extortion attempt against Ward 6 Alderman Dajuan Gay. 

Alderman Gay said in a recent statement that he had been threatened and blackmailed in an attempt to extort money.  "The Annapolis Police Department completed an investigation and arrested the individual," Alderman Gay said. "Since the arrest, I have become the victim of a smear campaign, seemingly to force my resignation as Alderman of Ward 6 in the City of Annapolis and harm my reputation."

According to court records, on April 6, 2022, officers with the Annapolis Police Department arrested Omaryan Rondell White (pictured below), 25, from the 1200 block of Madison Street in Annapolis.  During a bail review hearing on April 7, 2022, District Court Judge Shaem Spencer ordered White to remain held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center.

The incident was not included in the daily crime reports published by the department, an audit showed.  

Report Annapolis News has reached out to the police department seeking documents related to the investigation. Corporal David Stokes, a department spokesperson, has yet to respond.  

Alderman Gay said he has no plans to resign.  

"Videos have been released of me engaging in social acts of smoking marijuana, drinking, and attending parties. The images were taken by a trusted friend of 10 years in environments and situations where I felt comfortable and safe from judgment and free to be my 20-something self," the Alderman wrote in his statement. "I am committed to my role as Alderman of Ward 6 in the City of Annapolis, and I apologize for any distraction this may have caused."

The Alderman's entire statement can be found below:

"Nearly two weeks ago, in a bizarre text exchange with the boyfriend of a good friend of a decade, I was threatened and blackmailed in an attempt to extort money from me.  The Annapolis Police Department completed an investigation and arrested the individual. This was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, as I’ve cared deeply for this friend.

Since the arrest, I have become the victim of a smear campaign, seemingly to force my resignation as Alderman of Ward 6 in the City of Annapolis and harm my reputation. Videos have been released of me engaging in social acts of smoking marijuana, drinking, and attending parties. The images were taken by a trusted friend of 10 years in environments and situations where I felt comfortable and safe from judgment and free to be my 20-something self.

I strongly believe that my social life has not negatively impacted my work for the residents of Ward 6. I’ve remained consistently committed to improving the lives of my constituency who I care deeply for.

I hope to use the remainder of my term to continue to support the redevelopment of Eastport Terrace and Harbor House, fully fund our community resource centers, support efforts to strengthen the Office f Community Services, and bring needed transit and career opportunities to families in Ward 6. The work we have started will truly result in a better and safer community.

I am committed to my role as Alderman of Ward 6 in the City of Annapolis, and I apologize for any distraction this may have caused."