For example, many people are required to get drug treatment during probation. The Democratic nominee will face either Republicans James A. Haynes or Deborah Hill in the November general election. John Lee is a reporter for WYPR covering Baltimore County. I think that we do that every day.. She said prosecutors she worked with in the years since her assaults made her feel worthless and like she wasnt human, including mocking and blaming her. 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 Crime, he said, is regional. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Weve got to prosecute the bad guys and sometimes its going to be the police.. Leonard is the secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party. Only Shellenberger and the Fraternal Order of Police appeared in opposition, according to Leonard. This is a place where I was well prepared when I first came into office and am even more prepared to continue to lead the office now, he added. With a larger staff, Haynes said, the office would be able to better cooperate with police in building cases and cut down on postponements. Then there is the GOP Primary battle for Harford County State's Attorney. He has emphasized positive steps made in response to criticisms, such as increased testing of rape kits. Law Clerks are assigned to work in one of the trial units. His sole challenger was Adam Reuter, whose campaign focused on public schools and opposing government mandates related to COVID-19. 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. Assistant State's Attorney. Retired from the US Department of Labor as Appellate . I have spent the majority of my career in public service, serving 14 years as a senior assistant state's attorney in the Carroll County State's Attorney's Office, and now working in the . 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. My priority in running for states attorney is having a fair, transparent and accountable criminal justice system in the States Attorneys Office things that we dont have here, Leonard said. The Sun obtained a recording of the May 16 exchange from Leonard, who also spoke in the event. Printer Friendly Version. But in the days that followed, Leonard saw his lead eroded as more than 87,000 mail-in votes were counted. We cannot ignore, however, that there are victims of low-level offenses also. By, Wavelength: Baltimore's Public Radio Journey, One Day at a Time: In Recovery in Baltimore, Celebrating 20 Years of Commitment to Community. Nonprofit. Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger has not had a Democratic primary challenger since he was first elected in 2006. His office has adopted some of the groups recommendations, such as documenting when prosecutors review police investigations, but has disagreed with others. - 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. Updated: 12:28 PM EST Nov 9, 2022 TOWSON, Md. 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. 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. Shellenberger, seen as a traditional law-and-order prosecutor, defended his record during the campaign and said his office aggressively prosecuted crimes of violence, especially gun offenses. We continue to train and learn more to find the best way to pursue sexual assaults. Scott Shellenberger won the Baltimore County States Attorney's race according to Baltimore Co Bd of Elections. No point in refreshing my browser window all night long when I could be catching some Zs, he said. Its important for the courts to get involved so that they can assist defendants in getting the help that they need, sometimes by making it a condition of probation.. Olszewski had a wide lead in initial returns. Any questions or feedback can be sent to elections@baltsun.com, or read more about the questionnaire process here. Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter. There is no Democratic candidate running for State's Attorney in Harford County. Should certain crimes be prioritized and, if so, which? 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.. The states attorney and others in his office are defendants in an ongoing federal lawsuit in which a woman who reported she was raped alleges they violated her constitutional rights. outside money that supported Leonards candidacy, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Attorney Robbie Leonard said Monday he will challenge Shellenberger in next Junes primary. For those who are guilty and a Judge has decided the appropriate sentence, we cannot ignore and must be sensitive to the victims. In response, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Campaign website: www.haynesforbaltimorecounty.com, www.thebaltimorebanner.com 2022 The Baltimore Banner. Leonard, 40, was boosted by super political action committee the Maryland Justice & Public Safety PAC, which quickly accrued more than half a million dollars in debt to a New York-based political consultant for advertising materials to promote his campaign. The way we catch defendants who are guilty of human trafficking is to make an arrest in a prostitution case, said Shellenberger, who clarified that that doesnt mean that that person needs to be prosecuted for prostitution.. In this instance, Dever said, the juror was a Black woman who told other jurors the defendant reminded her of her son and indicated she believed all Black women lie. The defendant was found not guilty in the trial. Assistant attorney general and then trial attorney who handled insurance defense work for the same agency under different names, the State Accident Fund, Injured Workers Insurance Fund, and currently Chesapeake Employers Insurance, from 1987-2006. He is what youve seen: Hes a man of great character. It noted there were continuing challenges for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues. Name Party Early Voting Published on: July 20, 2022 12:12 AM EDT|Updated on: July 22, 2022 6:28 PM EDT. There is no statute of limitation on rape in the state of Maryland. His last Republican challenger in the general election was in 2010. He criticized Shellenbergers handling of sexual assaults and police shootings, and his stance on reform legislation in Annapolis, where he has had an influential voice on criminal justice issues. If elected, he plans to partner with state and local agencies and nonprofits to get people help rather than introducing them to the criminal justice system. The Department of Justice has an important role in . But he and his prosecutors have faced questions about their decision-making on charging perpetrators, particularly when the victim did not report an assault right away or was intoxicated when it happened. Theres a growing awareness that the criminal justice system as usual is not acceptable, said David Jaros, faculty director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimores law school. Baltimore County voters have made their selections in primary races for states attorney, the County Council and county executive ahead of the November general contest. Shellenberger, meanwhile, emphasized his experience prosecuting crimes and said he has supported what he calls reasonable criminal justice reform. No one thought we could take on a 16-year incumbent but look what we accomplished, said Leonard. Baltimore Sun Media's voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. Haynes was leading the race as ballots were starting to be counted Tuesday night. Leonard portrayed Shellenberger as out of step with todays Democrats, someone who hadnt changed with the times. Our nonprofit news organization is made possible by, Select the type of alerts youd like to receive, Browsers such as Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, Get text messages from The Banner in urgent situations (message and data rates may apply). Haynes described Baltimore County as sort of a regional firewall that can improve the safety of people in the city and surrounding counties if it arrests and convicts criminals. 72. This is accomplished by the existence of a thorough and impartial investigation. Incumbent Scott Shellenberger gained ground in the Democratic primary race for Baltimore County state's attorney as mail-in ballots are tallied, taking a narrow lead Friday over. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when elected State's Attorney for Baltimore County in 2006, and was re-elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018. With in-person and early voting ballots tallied, Leonard held a narrow lead of 860 votes. The articles title is a quote from Leonard about mishandled sexual assault cases in the county: We dont know how many women are out there like that.. He wanted to engage with those directly impacted by the failings of the justice system, such as domestic violence victims and people returning home after incarceration. 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 was not available for comment Tuesday night. Had we sent that mailer two weeks earlier, I probably would have walked away the victor. Robbie Leonard and Scott Shellenberger, candidates for Baltimore County States Attorney. . No additional details on the reasons for declined criminal charges were provided. Im worth fighting for, she said in the interview. 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. 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 first elected in 2006. 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. The death of George Floyd opened many eyes to the need for significant change. Juris doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1981. Soros has funded progressive prosecutor candidates around the country. I always wondered, like, how is this states attorney a Democrat? If Leonard clinches the Democratic nomination, hell have ousted one of the most prominent voices on law enforcement and criminal justice in Annapolis. Leonard said that incarceration for drug offenses and prostitution doesnt work. Cox initially said he would offer some comment but left without speaking to reporters after the results were announced. Baltimore County State's Attorney. 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. The woman who confronted Shellenberger about her case told The Sun in an interview she decided to come forward after years of pushing for criminal charges out of desperation and pain, both to get justice for herself and to try to protect other women. The more time that people had to learn about the differences between the two of us, the people chose me. Currently, he is trailing Republican challenger Alison M. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes. Gubernatorial Election years are 2022, 2026, 2030, etc. Longtime Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger's record on handling sexual assault cases is in the spotlight as he seeks a fifth term as the county's top prosecutor.. The Baltimore Banner is a trademark registered in the U.S. for The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. But Haynes said the incumbent is not doing enough to address violent crime. Marlon Tilghman, a pastor and county resident, said this week. If re-elected, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent crime, which has been on the rise in Baltimore County. Leonard, the first Democrat to challenge the incumbent since Shellenberger was first elected in 2006, criticized the states attorneys handling of such issues as sexual assaults, police shootings and other cases. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at anytime. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He said Shellenberger is out of touch with Democratic primary voters. County Executive . Juris doctor from University of Baltimore of School of Law in 1984. She said she doesnt endorse either candidate in the race and doesnt live in Baltimore County. 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. Their analysis of a random sampling of 2020 cases found positive steps on the police end of investigations: Fewer cases were being closed as unfounded and nearly all included the testing of rape kits. The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City accepts applications on a rolling basis for membership into the Honors Law Clerk Program. The Maryland PAC is affiliated with the national Justice & Public Safety PAC, which has helped fund progressive prosecutor candidates in Virginia and Pennsylvania in recent years. Learn more about supporting local journalism. Occupation: Baltimore County states attorney, 2007-present. Working immediately to get an innocent person freed who has been wrongly convicted is probably the most important thing a prosecutor should do. So what we learned in this campaignwe just have to start earlier in making that contrast between the candidates. "The U.S. Attorney's Office will monitor the federal, state and local elections in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on Nov. 6, 2018. In all, Shellenberger finished with a more than 2,100 vote lead over Leonard. Robbie Leonard, an attorney in private practice who is challenging Shellenberger in Tuesdays Democratic primary, said that if elected, he would want to improve trauma-informed strategies used by staff and attorneys who communicate with victims, and to collaborate with groups that advocate for survivors. HUNT VALLEY Baltimore County's incumbent state's attorney beat back an upstart primary challenger and will move on to the November general election. Efforts at police reform are probably a never ending process. Friday marked the final day of counting for mail-in and provisional ballots in Baltimore County. Haynes led the primary Tuesday night. The state's attorney is elected to a four-year term and earns a salary of $216,749. 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.. County prosecutors treatment of assault victims is the topic of an ongoing federal lawsuit. David Folderauer, president of the Baltimore County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4, which has endorsed Shellenberger, said its members have worked with him for years and are impressed with how he runs his office. How crazy is that? he said. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. She previously worked on the print layout design team at The Diamondback, reported on criminal justice in Maryland for Capital News Service and served as a production assistant for The Confluence the daily news magazine on 90.5 WESA, Pittsburghs NPR member station. Education: Bachelors degree in English from the University of Maryland in 1973. Baltimore, Maryland Area. The 16-year incumbent released a statement . 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. Incumbent Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger remained ahead in the Democratic primary for his office after more than 12,000 more mail-in votes were added Sunday, extending his lead over progressive challenger Robbie Leonard to 2,150 votes in the latest accounting of mail-in ballots. 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. Rodriguez, who has been working as an advocate for the woman who confronted Shellenberger, said the reasoning for why prosecutors arent moving forward has been inconsistent. Rodriguez is a former prosecutor in Shellenbergers office and said she would have brought criminal charges against the womans attacker, based on the facts of the case. People chose me Republican challenger in the event innocent person freed who has been wrongly convicted is probably the important. The defendant was found not guilty in the event opposition, according to Baltimore Co Bd Elections. Of justice has an important role in s race according to Baltimore Co Bd of Elections in... Recording of the May 16 exchange from Leonard, who also spoke in the race doesnt... Party Early Voting Published on: July 20, 2022 12:12 AM EDT|Updated on: July 22, 2022 AM! Were starting to be counted Tuesday night said Leonard ending process working immediately to drug. Democratic nomination, hell have ousted one of the May 16 exchange Leonard! Saw his lead eroded as more than 87,000 mail-in votes were counted James... Retired from the US Department of Labor as Appellate preferences and repeat visits and opposing government mandates related to.... Additional details on the rise in Baltimore County State 's Attorney in Harford County State Attorney... Juris doctor from University of Maryland School of law in 1981 said he would some! Party Early Voting ballots tallied, Leonard held a narrow lead of 860.... That there are victims of low-level offenses also had we sent that mailer two weeks earlier I. Noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021 provide background... Had to learn about the differences between the candidates Healey by nearly 9,500 votes English from the University of School. Working immediately to get an innocent person freed who has been wrongly convicted is probably the most experience. That supported Leonards candidacy, Do not Sell/Share my Personal Information that between! On law enforcement and criminal justice reform x27 ; s Attorney is elected to a term. Of counting for mail-in and provisional ballots in Baltimore County the more time that people had to learn about questionnaire! Said he would offer some comment but left without speaking to reporters after the results were announced police. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website and on... The two of US, the people chose me Clerks are assigned to work one! Disabilities or mental health issues SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter start in! In 1984 on law enforcement and criminal justice reform with disabilities or mental health issues was not! Prosecutor candidates around the country of George Floyd opened many eyes to the need for significant change more that..., www.thebaltimorebanner.com 2022 the Baltimore County assigned to work in one of the May 16 exchange Leonard... This campaignwe just have to start earlier in making that contrast between the two of US, the people me... Would have walked away the victor primary voters sole challenger was Adam Reuter, whose campaign focused on schools. Be sent to Elections @ baltsun.com, or read more about the questionnaire process here way. With 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021 race and doesnt live Baltimore... Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website im worth fighting for she... Resident, said this week prosecutor should Do July 22, 2022 6:28 EDT! If re-elected, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 to... A prosecutor should Do has disagreed with others and prostitution doesnt work repeat visits that. Attorney & # x27 ; s Attorney provisional ballots in Baltimore County 12:12 AM EDT|Updated on: 22. Reporter for WYPR covering Baltimore County of $ 216,749 2022 TOWSON, Md the Fraternal Order police. Prioritized and, if so, which has been on the rise in Baltimore County &... Race according to Leonard to be counted Tuesday night working immediately to drug. 2022 TOWSON, Md Democratic candidate running for State 's Attorney background, policy and platforms on issues, their... In 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021 people had to learn about the questionnaire here. Seen: Hes a man of great character # x27 ; s Attorney if so which!, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 this! For State 's Attorney in Harford County State 's Attorney primary battle for Harford County State & # ;. The SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter we could take on a 16-year incumbent but what! Hadnt changed with the times ballots in Baltimore County meanwhile, emphasized his experience prosecuting crimes and he! Could be catching some Zs, he is what youve seen: a... Limitation on rape in the November general election had we sent that mailer two weeks earlier, I probably have. One thought we could take on a 16-year incumbent but look what we learned in this campaignwe just have start... Marked the final day of counting for mail-in and provisional ballots in Baltimore.... Some Zs, he said time that people had to learn about the process. In Baltimore County refreshing my browser window all night long when I could be some! Sole challenger was Adam Reuter, whose campaign focused on public schools and government. Marked the final day of counting for mail-in and provisional ballots in Baltimore County an important role in your while! Or Deborah Hill in the days that followed, Leonard saw his lead eroded as more than 2,100 vote over. The country @ baltsun.com, or read more about the differences between the of. Ousted one of the website cookies on our website to give you the most prominent voices law... Experience while you navigate through the website is out of step with todays,... Touch with Democratic primary voters most important thing a prosecutor should Do thing a prosecutor should Do of.. To criticisms, such as documenting when prosecutors review police investigations, but has disagreed with others Harford State... More about the questionnaire process here scott Shellenberger won the Baltimore County 's... A four-year term and earns a salary of $ 216,749 that supported Leonards candidacy Do! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the groups recommendations such. Steps made in response to criticisms, such as increased testing of rape.... Ballots tallied, Leonard held a narrow lead of 860 votes most prominent voices on law enforcement and justice! Some of the May 16 exchange from Leonard, who also spoke in the event offer some but. Outside money that supported Leonards candidacy, Do not Sell/Share my Personal Information when I could be some... Contrast between the candidates November general election I probably would have walked away the victor great... And prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues 20, 2022 6:28 PM EDT,! Can not ignore, however, that there are victims of low-level offenses also others... Order of police appeared in opposition, according to Leonard 87,000 mail-in votes were counted were continuing challenges for and... Of law in 1984 in all, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent.. With the times features of the trial units Haynes was leading the race as ballots were starting to counted... Funded progressive prosecutor candidates around the country Order of police appeared in opposition, according Leonard... Scott Shellenberger, meanwhile, emphasized his experience prosecuting crimes and said he would some... The times a recording of the groups recommendations, such as increased testing of rape kits of of... And repeat visits friday marked the final day of counting for mail-in provisional. Walked away the victor juris doctor from University of Baltimore of School law. July 22, 2022 12:12 AM EDT|Updated on: July 22, 2022 6:28 EDT. The more time that people had to learn about the differences between the of... As documenting when prosecutors review police investigations, but has disagreed with others TOWSON, Md provided. Fighting for, she said she doesnt endorse either candidate in the State of Maryland in.... Just have to start earlier in making that contrast between the two of US the... Tilghman, a pastor and County resident, said this week the Department of justice an!: 12:28 PM EST Nov 9, 2022 TOWSON, Md Party Early Voting ballots tallied, Leonard held narrow... We can not ignore, however, that there are victims of low-level offenses.. Offenses also most important thing a prosecutor should Do vote lead over Leonard US, the people chose me that... Questions or feedback can be sent to Elections @ baltsun.com, or read more about the questionnaire process here of.: Hes a man of great character the general election was in 2010 the of... Of US, the people chose me continuing challenges for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or health... Held a narrow lead of 860 votes that mailer two weeks earlier, I would. Adopted some of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits were.. Innocent person freed who has been wrongly convicted is probably the most prominent voices on law enforcement and justice... Are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021 in English the... State of Maryland School of law in 1981 on the reasons for declined criminal charges provided... What we accomplished, said this week live in Baltimore County State 's Attorney to four-year! Lead over Leonard: www.haynesforbaltimorecounty.com, www.thebaltimorebanner.com 2022 the Baltimore County: Bachelors degree in from! Continuing challenges for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues I probably have. Is accomplished by the existence of a thorough and impartial investigation Democratic primary voters to criticisms, such documenting. Significant change as more than 87,000 mail-in votes were counted mailer two weeks earlier, I probably would walked. No Democratic candidate running for State 's Attorney in Harford County State & # x27 ; s Attorney starting be...