Metro briefs

MARYLAND

BALTIMORE

Teens indicted in dog burning

A Baltimore grand jury Friday indicted 17-year-old twins in the fatal burning of a dog.

Tremayne and Travers Johnson of Baltimore were indicted on five counts charging animal abuse and cruelty. They were being held without bail and will be arraigned Dec. 9.

Police said the two set a pit bull on fire on May 27. A police officer used her sweater to put out the flames, but the dog later died at an animal shelter in Pennsylvania.

BALTIMORE

Gift card ‘buyer’ testifies in trial

A housing official described his relationship with Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, and a former boyfriend’s employee testified about buying gift cards at the heart of the theft trial against her.

Prosecutors say Ms. Dixon used gift cards intended for the needy during personal shopping sprees, while the defense says the mayor believed they were intended for her use.

Housing official Edward Anthony and Doracon employee Randell Finney took the stand Friday. Mr. Finney testified he bought gift cards at the direction of his boss, Ms. Dixon’s boyfriend at the time, and the mayor told him by phone to give the cards to her driver.

Mr. Anthony, meanwhile, told jurors he has been in a relationship with Ms. Dixon for several years, but doesn’t remember receiving a gift card from her as prosecutors charged.

FREDERICK

Sheriff denies rights violation

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins on Friday denied that two deputies violated the civil rights of a Salvadoran immigrant during an arrest last year.

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