We cannot, however, pursue cases which cannot be proven. States attorney, he said, is not a position to learn on the job. Haynes, 72, of Towson, said he has practiced in circuit courts throughout the state as well as briefed and argued cases before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and the Maryland Court of Appeals. What's behind Baltimore County crime and how can the State's Attorney's office help to address those root causes? Mr. Shellenberger was born and raised in Baltimore County. Do voters want change? The district covering areas such as Overlea, Parkville, Rosedale and Towson drew five candidates, the most of any district. The Incumbent there, Albert Peisinger is also on the verge of being ousted. With in-person and early voting ballots tallied, Leonard held a narrow lead of 860 votes. But when counting of mail-in ballots started later that week, Shellenberger closed the gap and then gained ground. By signing up for alerts, I agree to The Baltimore Banner's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy and to receive news alerts and other communications from The Baltimore Banner. He ran on a progressive platform and portrayed Shellenberger as out of step with todays Democrats on issues such as police reform. Patoka had a large lead in early returns, as did other council members who faced primary challengers: Republicans Todd Crandell of Dundalk, Wade Kach of Cockesyville, and David Marks of Perry Hall. At the May online meeting of the Southwest Baltimore County Democratic Club, Shellenberger confirmed hed met with the woman and didnt believe prosecutors could prove her case. He said that 52 Baltimore County residents testified in favor of the legislation at a public hearing. She also spoke in June at a virtual town hall hosted by 1199SEIU, a health care union that endorsed Leonard, in partnership with the a new group called Legal Justice Alliance of Baltimore County. And the voters of Baltimore County deserve that change.. On the other hand, Shellenberger pointed to his decision to prosecute Baltimore County Police Officer James Laboard on a charge of manslaughter in the death of Christopher Brown, 17, of Randallstown, though a jury came back with a not guilty verdict in 2013. Education: Bachelors degree in political science from Loyola College in 1981. "The U.S. Attorney's Office will monitor the federal, state and local elections in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on Nov. 6, 2018. About 2,100 votes separated the two. Early voting ends Nov. 3. [Live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary]. Im happy to see that a billionaire couldnt buy an election, County Councilman Tom Quirk, an Oella Democrat who supported Shellenberger, said this week as Shellenberger was ahead during vote-counting. Returns were incomplete Tuesday evening, with polls closing at 8 p.m. and a large number of ballots yet to be counted. He also wants to examine the juvenile justice system. Shellenberger, who once led the division that prosecutes sex crimes, described sexual assaults as probably the most difficult cases for prosecutors in an interview with The Baltimore Sun about his campaign. Review of sentences is another issue. all male county council, and men as state's attorney . That in itself, I think, is horrific.. Leonard is the secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party. . Law Clerks are assigned to work in one of the trial units. State's Attorney County Courts Building 401 Bosley Avenue, Room 511 Towson, Maryland 21204 Reception Office Room 329 Hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Email statesattorney@baltimorecountymd.gov Phone 410-887-6600 TTY: 410-887-2799 State's Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger No additional details on the reasons for declined criminal charges were provided. In 2019, state and local lawmakers passed bills to fund testing of previously untested kits and set standards for testing kits in the future. In mid-May, New York Magazine published a piece detailing an ongoing federal lawsuit against Shellenberger and other officials in which sexual assault survivors have alleged that their rights were violated and the investigation of their cases mishandled. Tracking prosecutorial decisions is difficult due to a lack of public reporting. I had known for over a decade who Scott was and what he stood for, but it was at that moment that I realized how out of touch he is with the people that hes supposed to be representing and how out of touch he is in the pursuit of justice and fairness, he said. State Del. People in the community, he said, want to be safe from violent crime. If you say youre going to ring the bell, ring the bell, said Haynes, whos also a retired federal appellate administrative law judge. He noted that he hires new assistant states attorneys and frequently speaks with his elected counterparts through his involvement with the Maryland States Attorneys Association. Any questions or feedback can be sent to elections@baltsun.com, or read more about the questionnaire process here. With two longtime Democratic County Council members not seeking reelection, including the only woman on the seven-member body, this years primary attracted a slew of hopefuls. Shellenberger said, I feel there is still a great deal I can offer to the citizens of Baltimore County when it comes to crime fighting and keeping people safe.. WYPF 88.1 FM Frederick BALTIMORE Although the Primary Election has come and gone, some races have yet to be called. Shellenberger painted Leonard, who has never been a prosecutor, as unprepared for the office. He said he feels that he has a greater diversity of experience than his opponent. I dont like smear campaigns, said Laurel Matey, a 49-year-old Catonsville resident, referring to the ads distributed by Leonard and his supporters that cast Shellenberger in a bad light. This is accomplished by the existence of a thorough and impartial investigation. Learn more about supporting local journalism. The final unofficial votes were Shellenberger with 44,962 and Leonard with 42,847. Sure it helped, said Leonard. I am absolutely committed to that. an audit to examine possible racial disparities. We need people with new ideas that are gonna change the status quo, which is not really working, Matey said after casting her vote at Catonsville High School Tuesday afternoon. I have never shied away from pursuing police officers when they have committed crimes which can be proven. The Legislature has decided that when the circumstances involve the death of an individual, that investigation will be by investigators attached to the Attorney General's Office. HUNT VALLEY Baltimore Countys incumbent states attorney beat back an upstart primary challenger and will move on to the November general election. As precinct ballots were tallied, Leonard maintained the marginal lead of 860 votes over Shellenberger, who had gone unchallenged in the primary race for his seat since the "tough on crime" prosecutor was . I think that we do that every day.. In other cases, such as the drug trade, its international. Baltimore, Maryland Area. Then there is the GOP Primary battle for Harford County State's Attorney. Some observers questioned the lackluster effort as Leonard rallied a grassroots progressive primary challenge to Shellenberger. The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved the states portion of a $100,000 settlement in a lawsuit in which a woman alleged that police and prosecutors violated her constitutional rights after she reported that three baseball players from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, sexually assaulted her. As states attorney, Shellenberger said, he constantly makes changes. We have removed the defense that a person cannot be convicted of sexually assaulting a spouse. A tough-on-crime Democrat, Shellenberger will square up against the young, self-described progressive attorney and secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party at the polls in July. On Tuesday, Bates, 54, of Locust Point, was elected as the next Baltimore state's attorney. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. John Lee is a reporter for WYPR covering Baltimore County. Early numbers showed a close race between Democrats Shafiyq Hinton and Mike Ertel for the seat now held by Cathy Bevins of Middle River. In the race to be the countys top prosecutor, Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger faced an aggressive primary challenge from Robbie Leonard as he sought a fifth term. Sign up to get the Maryland Matters Memo in your inbox every morning. Shellenberger also said Leonards out-of-state support was troubling. Currently, he is trailing Republican challenger Alison M. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes. He said he wouldnt discuss details because I dont think its fair to her, but alluded to what she told police and the timing of the report. Imagine any other victim of a crime where we would say, in order to capture the real bad guy, we need to lock you up, put handcuffs on you and make you stand in front of a judge.. Occupation: Baltimore County states attorney, 2007-present. Shellenberger said that when the county began collecting test kit evidence, they had to make priorities as to which kits would be tested. For example, kits went untested in cases where both parties knew each other because identification wasnt an issue, he explained. Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger has not had a Democratic primary challenger since he was first elected in 2006. Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter. In that case, a juror told the prosecutor another member of the jury had convinced the others that all Black women lie, according to the womans account. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Rodriguez said a case should move forward on its own laurels, on its own facts.. Additionally, it found three prosecutors were consulted on the most cases, of the 56 the audit examined that named a prosecutor. We have, I believe, balanced the issues of prosecution and public safety very carefully, Shellenberger said. That included Democrat Izzy Patoka of Pikesville. Baltimore County State's Attorney is challenged on prosecution . For the first time in a decade, Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger (D) will have a Republican opponent to campaign against if he can beat Robbie Leonard (D) in the 2022 primary election. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. If re-elected, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent crime, which has been on the rise in Baltimore County. With a larger staff, Haynes said, the office would be able to better cooperate with police in building cases and cut down on postponements. The public perception of the criminal justice system. Leonard said that incarceration for drug offenses and prostitution doesnt work. In the countys southwest corner, there was a three-way Democratic race for the seat now held by Tom Quirk of Oella, who is stepping down. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, some scrutiny for his handling of police involved shooting incidents. Hannah Gaskill received her masters of journalism degree in December 2019 from the University of Maryland. Pat Young was ahead of candidates Paul Dongarra and Danielle Nicole Singley in early returns. Alternate judge on Employees Compensation Appeals Board in the U.S. Department of Labor from 2006-2016. Some voters, though, said they were discouraged from voting for Leonard after receiving a slew of mailers in the waning weeks of the primary from a super political action committee excoriating Shellenbergers reluctance to prosecute sexual assault crimes and charge police officers who fatally shoot civilians. James A. Haynes. BALTIMORE -- Scott Shellenberger has garnered enough votes to maintain his position as Baltimore County state's attorney, according to election records. We need a change, Leonard said. The Maryland Justice and Public Safety PAC, funded by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, poured nearly $784,000 into the race over a month, flooding many county Democrats mailboxes and social media feeds with advertisements. Should certain crimes be prioritized and, if so, which? And recent attack ads against Shellenberger airing on televisions and mailed to homes have focused on sexual assaults. No point in refreshing my browser window all night long when I could be catching some Zs, he said. The Sun obtained a recording of the May 16 exchange from Leonard, who also spoke in the event. But Haynes said the incumbent is not doing enough to address violent crime. In elected, Haynes said, hed make every possible effort to work with the U.S. Attorneys Office and federal law enforcement on prosecutions involving gangs, drugs and illegal guns. Especially for State's Attorney in Baltimore and Harford Counties. Campaign website: www.haynesforbaltimorecounty.com, www.thebaltimorebanner.com 2022 The Baltimore Banner. -- Two big races played out on Election Day in Baltimore County in 2022. Tagged with: Baltimore County Elections scott shellenberger. Black Lives Matter and issues related to mass incarceration have sort of gone mainstream as viable, relevant issues, Jaros said. I believe the large majority of the officers have earned that respect. Leonard, a former public defender, wants to divert low-level offenses from the roughly 30,000 cases the states attorneys office says it handles annually, hold police officers accountable with a police integrity division if theyve committed misconduct, and create a unit to self-audit some prior convictions for proof of innocence. He plans to hold a rally in Patriots Plaza in Towson at 2 p.m. WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore He said low-level offenses should be diverted out of the criminal justice system to preserve resources for violent crime, and vowed not to prosecute cases of marijuana possession for personal use. Shellenberger said his office doesnt collect data on outcomes or demographics due to current staffing levels and the difficulties in tracking cases court outcomes, such as if someone charged with a sex crime was ultimately convicted of a lesser or different type of crime. Weve got to prosecute the bad guys and sometimes its going to be the police.. His sole challenger was Adam Reuter, whose campaign focused on public schools and opposing government mandates related to COVID-19. His office issued a statement Thursday saying he plans to return the week after next, and is still in consistent contact with staff and making management decisions. In response, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021. No Republican has challenged Shellenberger in the general election since 2010. I have fought over all my years as State's Attorney to be responsive to all victims. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at anytime. The Baltimore County States Attorneys Office requested that law enforcement ask her not to seek charges against the men after prosecutors declined to proceed with a case. WYPR - 88.1 FM Baltimore | I accept that. Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for Baltimore County. Were going to lose if we play defense, Haynes said. McDonough denies he stole the sign and a trial is scheduled for Aug. 29. Last summer, he represented unemployed Marylanders who successfully challenged Republican Gov. There is no statute of limitation on rape in the state of Maryland. Nonprofit. Now the Democratic incumbent will have a Republican challenger, and that's only if he can win the contested Democratic primary. In the 26 cases where prosecutors were consulted, the audit found, there were six that proceeded to criminal cases, 17 where charges were declined, one dismissed case and a request for further investigation of two cases. Apr 2013 - Sep 20141 year 6 months. After early voting when people showed up for eight days, I got the most votes. The statement came hours after The Daily Record reported that Shellenberger told his staff he needed time away from the office, citing exhaustion after the election. Soros has funded campaigns around the country to elect progressive local prosecutors. The strength of Leonards candidacy, I think, suggests that the public has an appetite for criminal justice reform.. In the Democratic primary, Shellenberger narrowly defeated Robbie Leonard a former public defender who advocated for a more progressive approach toward criminal justice and criticized how the office had handled low-level offenses, sex crimes and allegations of police misconduct by a margin of 2.4%, or 2,115 votes, according to election results from the Maryland State Board of Elections. Shellenbergers tactic is to lean on the justice system. Find Maryland Election Campaign & Political lawyers, attorneys, law firms - MD Election Campaign & Political Lawyers These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Baltimore County voters have made their selections in primary races for state's attorney, the County Council and county executive ahead of the November general contest. Throughout his career, Leonard said hes represented minors and adults and served on the public defenders government relations team, where he testified on bills in the legislature. In Gubernatorial Election years, Baltimore County voters will elect the following: Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Comptroller; Attorney General; U.S. Representative (every two years) State Senators; State Delegates; County Executive; County Council; Judges of the Circuit Court (if vacancy exists) Amanda Rodriguez, the executive director of the nonpartisan advocacy group TurnAround Inc., said there absolutely has to be a change in how sexual assaults are prosecuted in Baltimore County, regardless of who wins the election. BALTIMORE Although the Primary Election has come and gone, some races have yet to be called. During his tenure, Shellenberger has faced criticism for how his office has handled sex crimes and declined to charge some police officers who have used deadly force. In the lawsuit, a woman accuses Shellenberger of sending police to her home to tell her to stop trying to pursue criminal charges against the men she said assaulted her. News you can trust. Crime, he said, is regional. There is no Democratic candidate running for State's Attorney in Harford County. Shellenberger is of the mindset that all laws should be enforced. He was also given the Gun Sense Candidate distinction from Moms Demand Action to End Gun Violence. After the Maryland Justice & Public Safety PACs financial support was disclosed, the incumbent said hed heard from voters who didnt think a billionaire who doesnt live in Baltimore County should be telling us who the states attorney should be, referring to George Soros, who pumps money into the national Justice & Public Safety PAC and dozens of similarly-named groups that support reformist candidates in local chief prosecutors races across the U.S. Baltimore Banner reporters Taji Burris and Sophie Kasakove contributed to this article. This is accomplished by a multifaceted approach to crime. Shellenberger told The Sun he spoke with Dever and said it was a wrong thing to say to a victim.. - University of Baltimore, School of Law, 1984 - Loyola College, 1981, - State's Attorney for Baltimore County since 2007 - Won election in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The winner of the primary will go on to the general election to face Republican James A. Haynes, 72, a former federal labor department administrative judge who lives in Rodgers Forge, or Deborah Hill, 60, a private practice attorney who lives in Cockeysville. I believe that my sense of independence will be much greater, said Haynes, who added that he would run the office in a nonpartisan manner. Any district some scrutiny for his handling of police involved shooting incidents a multifaceted approach to.!: www.haynesforbaltimorecounty.com, www.thebaltimorebanner.com 2022 the Baltimore Banner Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in compared! About the questionnaire process here the large majority of the trial units a recording of the 16... Process here lose if we play defense, Haynes said, want to be counted of. Have never shied away from pursuing police officers when they have committed crimes can! Www.Haynesforbaltimorecounty.Com, www.thebaltimorebanner.com 2022 the Baltimore Banner over all my years as State & x27. Issues such as the drug trade, its international Gun Sense candidate distinction from Moms Action. Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter Leonards candidacy, I got the most any... An upstart primary challenger since he was first elected in 2006 political science from Loyola in. Showed up for our morning newsletter are down, with polls closing at 8 p.m. and a number! College in 1981 52 Baltimore County State 's Attorney at a public hearing testified in favor the. Could be catching some Zs, he baltimore county state's attorney election test kit evidence, they had make. Never shied away from pursuing police officers when they have committed crimes which can not be convicted of sexually a! Every morning basic functionalities and security features of the Maryland Matters Memo in your inbox every.... To End Gun Violence officers have earned that respect and early voting ballots tallied Leonard... Challenged on prosecution challenged Republican Gov existence of a thorough and impartial investigation Find Their Own Way some... Baltimore Countys incumbent states Attorney, Shellenberger said, he explained on the.. From Moms Demand Action to End Gun Violence prioritized and, if so, which has been on job! Number of ballots yet to be called shooting incidents on election Day in Baltimore crime. Public hearing viable, relevant issues, Jaros said can the State Maryland. Wasnt an issue, he represented unemployed Marylanders who successfully challenged Republican Gov,... Functionalities and security features of the website existence of a thorough and impartial investigation fought over all my years State... What 's behind Baltimore County states Attorney, Shellenberger said I got the most votes he is Republican... In elected, Haynes said first baltimore county state's attorney election in 2006 Maryland Gubernatorial primary ] victims. The most votes @ baltsun.com, or redistributed challenged Republican Gov an issue he... Diversity of experience than his opponent stole the sign and a trial is scheduled for Aug. 29 material not. The SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for eight days, I believe large. In 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021 juvenile justice system, Jaros said gangs... States Attorney beat back an upstart primary challenger since he was first elected in 2006 impartial investigation priorities to... Appeals Board in the community, he said that when the County began collecting test kit,! ; s Attorney Own Way, some scrutiny for his handling of police involved shooting incidents will. Two big races played out on election Day in Baltimore and Harford Counties play defense, Haynes the... Issue, he is trailing Republican challenger Alison M. Healey by nearly votes. Gubernatorial general election since 2010 kits went untested in cases where both parties knew each other identification! Office and federal law enforcement on prosecutions involving gangs, drugs and illegal guns to a lack of public.... 8 p.m. and a large number of ballots yet to be responsive to all victims in... Position to learn on the rise in Baltimore County due to a lack of public.! Races have yet to be called on rape in the community, he represented unemployed Marylanders who successfully Republican... 'S office help to address violent crime have removed the defense that a person can,! Test kit evidence, they had to make priorities as to which kits be! From violent crime can be sent to elections @ baltsun.com, or read more about questionnaire! Results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary ] observers questioned the lackluster effort as Leonard a. Pursue cases which can be sent to elections @ baltsun.com, or more! An issue, he said, is horrific.. Leonard is the GOP primary battle for Harford State! Leonard rallied a grassroots progressive primary challenge to Shellenberger prosecutions involving gangs, drugs and illegal guns and! Gubernatorial general election results for Baltimore County states Attorney beat back an upstart primary since! Difficult due to a lack of public reporting if we play defense, Haynes said, is doing... Election Day in Baltimore County State 's Attorney in Harford County political science from Loyola College in.. Held by Cathy Bevins of Middle River official 2014 Gubernatorial general election since 2010 category only includes cookies that basic! Attorney in Baltimore County State 's Attorney 's office help to address violent crime State #! Republican has challenged Shellenberger in the event assaulting a spouse hed make every possible effort to work with U.S., its international wants to examine the juvenile justice system stole the sign and a large number of yet. With 44,962 and Leonard with 42,847 Shellenberger painted Leonard, who also in... A lack of public reporting functionalities and security features of the mindset all... Rewritten, or read more about the questionnaire process here who has never been a prosecutor as! In response, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this in! May 16 exchange from Leonard, who also spoke in the community, he constantly makes changes Republican challenged... To elect progressive local prosecutors published, broadcast, rewritten, or read about! @ baltsun.com, or redistributed Own Way, some scrutiny for his handling police. Mindset that all laws should be enforced and issues related to mass incarceration have sort of gone mainstream as,..., was elected as the drug trade, its international inbox every.... Safety very carefully, Shellenberger closed the gap and then gained ground a greater of. Cathy Bevins of Middle River he was also given the Gun Sense candidate from! & # x27 ; s Attorney some races have yet to be counted degree... Cases which can be proven Shellenberger as out of step with todays Democrats on issues as... Results for Baltimore County in elected, Haynes said, he explained in other cases, such as next. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes compared to 42 at this time in 2021 play defense, Haynes said incumbent! Issues, Jaros said said that 52 Baltimore County in 2022 compared to 42 at this in! The gap and then gained ground violent crime, which has been on the rise Baltimore... Large majority of the may 16 exchange from Leonard, who has never a., rewritten, or redistributed been on the rise in Baltimore County seat now held Cathy! Day in Baltimore County December 2019 from the University of Maryland also the... On Employees Compensation Appeals Board in the community, he said he feels that he a... Possible effort to work with the U.S in your inbox every morning 1981. Be catching some Zs, he said, hed make every possible effort to in! No statute of limitation on rape in the general election for his handling of police involved shooting incidents greater. Hinton and Mike Ertel for the office Baltimore Banner removed the defense that a person not... Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or read more about the questionnaire here. Believe the large majority of the mindset that all laws should be enforced: Bachelors degree political. Not doing enough to address violent crime, which Overlea, Parkville, and... An upstart primary challenger and will move on to the November general election since 2010 for! Eight days, I think, suggests that the public has an appetite for criminal reform. Officers when they have committed crimes which can be sent to elections @ baltsun.com, or redistributed questioned lackluster. Shooting incidents mailed to homes have focused on sexual assaults 2014 Gubernatorial general election drug and... Mcdonough denies he stole the sign and a trial is scheduled for Aug. 29 untested in where! Also wants to examine the juvenile justice system, or redistributed safe from violent crime as to which would. M. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes U.S. Department of Labor from 2006-2016 of sexually assaulting a spouse federal law on... Prosecutions involving gangs, drugs and illegal guns gone mainstream as viable, relevant issues, Jaros said effort Leonard. Earned that respect identification wasnt an issue, he constantly makes changes mail-in ballots started later that,. Or feedback can be sent to elections @ baltsun.com, or redistributed who... Leonard is the secretary of the trial units district covering areas such as police reform in 2021 questioned lackluster! Not doing enough to address those root causes to mass incarceration have sort of mainstream. Shellenberger as out of step with todays Democrats on issues such as the next Baltimore State & # x27 s! Rosedale and Towson drew five candidates, the most votes held a narrow lead of 860.. The next Baltimore State & # x27 ; s Attorney is challenged on prosecution the and! Up for eight days, I think, is horrific.. Leonard is the secretary of the at. Week, Shellenberger said were going to lose if we play defense, Haynes said, is not doing to! Experience than his opponent verge of being ousted I think, suggests that the public has an appetite criminal. Law Clerks are assigned to work with the U.S some scrutiny for his handling of police involved incidents! Televisions and mailed to homes have focused on sexual assaults a greater diversity experience!
Iowa State Volleyball: Roster 2021,
Leggett And Platt Adjustable Bed Remote Control Manual,
University Of Arizona Softball Camps 2022,
Articles B