They cannot be called upon to live the rest of their lives unable to move on from the horror they lived through in the loss of their loved one or the crime perpetrated on them. It noted there were continuing challenges for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues. Marlon Tilghman, a pastor and county resident, said this week. 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). Early voting ends Nov. 3. Shellenberger opposed the legislation. Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger has not had a Democratic primary challenger since he was first elected in 2006. The district covering areas such as Overlea, Parkville, Rosedale and Towson drew five candidates, the most of any district. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at anytime. Learn more about supporting local journalism. He pointed to the murder of George Floyd, the Freddie Gray case and the Gun Trace Task Force scandal. The final unofficial votes were Shellenberger with 44,962 and Leonard with 42,847. She hopes to see more transparency in case data, such as publicly available information to examine any trends around victim demographics or the outcomes of prosecutors review, she said. As states attorney, Haynes said, hed scrutinize plea agreements and make sure that assistant states attorneys were not offering them because they were unprepared for trial or lacked resources. Last updated: 08/24/2022 04:50:11 PM. Shellenberger takes issue with that, saying his office has prosecuted 19 police officers for various offenses. The office has declined to create written guidelines for review and prosecution of sexual offenses or to put in place the national best practices compiled by the task force. Longtime Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenbergers record on handling sexual assault cases is in the spotlight as he seeks a fifth term as the countys top prosecutor. Returns were incomplete Tuesday evening, with polls closing at 8 p.m. and a large number of ballots yet to be counted. A federal judge blocked the county from using its initial map and later accepted a revised version. Last summer, he represented unemployed Marylanders who successfully challenged Republican Gov. Nonpartisan. No one thought we could take on a 16-year incumbent but look what we accomplished, said Leonard. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. We just work cooperatively toward that goal.. ), Voting stations are set up for the primary election at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Monday, June 22, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. With one polling place designated for Louisville on Tuesday, voters who didnt cast mail-in ballots could potentially face long lines in Kentuckys unprecedented primary election. The Baltimore County Board of Elections certified the county's results Friday, following a week of counting thousands of mail-in and provisional ballots. When youre trying to explain to someone the reasons why you cant go forward, you have to give real-life experiences as to what happens in other cases to give it context. Sure it helped, said Leonard. The prosecutor, Lisa Dever, told The Sun her intent was to explain you cant know jurors past experiences or what theyll bring to a case. As I have told you, I do not believe we can prove your case, he said. Some observers questioned the lackluster effort as Leonard rallied a grassroots progressive primary challenge to Shellenberger. 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. The Working Families Party and Progressive Maryland endorsed Robbie Leonard in the 2022 race for Baltimore County States Attorney on Tuesday. One Republican, Al Nalley, ran unopposed. For example, many people are required to get drug treatment during probation. Early numbers showed a close race between Democrats Shafiyq Hinton and Mike Ertel for the seat now held by Cathy Bevins of Middle River. Learn more about supporting local journalism. Apr 2013 - Sep 20141 year 6 months. He is what youve seen: Hes a man of great character. Election Day is Nov. 8. dylan.segelbaum@thebaltimorebanner.com Meet the candidates for Baltimore County state's attorney Scott Shellenberger Age: 63 Residence: Towson Political party: Democratic James A. Haynes. Whoever pulls it out, looks to be headed for a General Election match-up with Republican James A. Haynes who seems to have edged out Deborah Hill. And the voters of Baltimore County deserve that change.. He described that practice as unprofessional, stating that its wrong to mix public service with considerations of political loyalty. While most attention Tuesday focused on the Republican and Democratic Gubernatorial races and the Baltimore City State's Attorney's race, others were heating up. 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. I think we have kept things fresh, even though Ive been here a long time, Shellenberger said. Critics have targeted Shellenberger over his handling of sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents. He has also called for an audit to examine possible racial disparities in charging decisions. Some areas, though, recently saw an uptick in homicides at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Im worth fighting for, she said in the interview. Our job is to strive to always do the right thing. TurnAround, she said, is eager to work with the office on enhancing victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches to working with survivors. He announced in May that he is running for a fifth term. Then there is the GOP Primary battle for Harford County State's Attorney. We are active participants in problem solving courts in appropriate cases where the primary focus is treatment rather than incarceration. Both promised comments when the last votes were counted. Shellenberger reported having over $13,000 on hand, while Haynes detailed having more than $1,500 available, according to campaign finance disclosure reports that covered July 4-Aug. 23. All rights reserved. I always wondered, like, how is this states attorney a Democrat? Were one of the only large counties to certify its elections today, said County Elections Director Ruie Lavoie. Law Clerks are an essential part of the office. Shellenberger said that older kits are currently being tested even in cases where it wasnt stranger-on-stranger. Thus far, 400 older kits have been tested and 300 more are on deck. His sole challenger was Adam Reuter, whose campaign focused on public schools and opposing government mandates related to COVID-19. Shellenberger painted Leonard, who has never been a prosecutor, as unprepared for the office. On election night, it looked like Shellenberger could be unseated after 15 years in office. Leonard said that transparency and accountability mean prosecuting violent crimes where theres actual victims not quality of life offenses, like charges that stem from poverty or drug use. 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. all male county council, and men as state's attorney . I believe the large majority of the officers have earned that respect. This is a big job and I certainly think that Ive proven over the years that Im up to continuing to do it, said Shellenberger. 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.. 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. [Live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary]. HUNT VALLEY Baltimore County's incumbent state's attorney beat back an upstart primary challenger and will move on to the November general election. 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. Shellenberger wins Baltimore County states attorney primary race, Video Series: Off the Record with Sloane Brown, Baltimore City - vs. Jose Francisco Zacarias Perez, YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS/PRIVACY POLICY, Fed official: Rate hikes have begun to quell inflation, Ripken, Cooperstown baseball merge under deal with 76ers, Devils owners, Off the Record with Sloane Brown: Rene Hutchins, University of Maryland Carey School of Law. District Court Division. It is among dozens of groups pumping money into local races for head prosecutor across the U.S. and funded generously by New York billionaire George Soros and groups associated with him. 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. McDonough denies he stole the sign and a trial is scheduled for Aug. 29. Robbie Leonard continued to hold a narrow lead Wednesday of 860 votes over 15-year incumbent Scott Shellenberger for the Democratic nomination for Baltimore County State's Attorney. Advertisement Incumbent Democrat Johnny Olszewski defeated former. The criminals havent scored any more points, he later added. Since his election, Mr. Shellenberger has fought for justice, fairness, and accountability in the criminal justice system. Lawyer, admitted to the Maryland bar. Law Clerks are assigned to work in one of the trial units. After the recommendations from the countys latest task force on sexual assaults, the group did a follow-up audit in 2021 to measure improvements or lingering problems. Hes always opposing legislation being put in by Democrats.. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at anytime. BALTIMORE Although the Primary Election has come and gone, some races have yet to be called. This is accomplished by a multifaceted approach to crime. He plans to hold a rally in Patriots Plaza in Towson at 2 p.m. WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore His last Republican challenger in the general election was in 2010. As states attorney, Shellenberger said, he constantly makes changes. A county task force formed in 2019 to examine sexual assault investigations identified the topic as an issue for the office, which includes Shellenberger and prosecutors. BALTIMORE Although the Primary Election has come and gone, some races have yet to be called. The State Board of Elections provides all eligible citizens of the State convenient access to voter registration; provides all registered voters accessible locations in which they may exercise their right to vote, to ensure uniformity of election practices; to promote fair and equitable elections; and to maintain registration records, campaign fund reports, and other election-related data accurately and in a form that is accessible to the public. The voters of Baltimore County deserve that change. About 2,100 votes separated the two. He said his office now requires more documentation about its decisions to approve or decline charges in similar cases. By: Bryan P. Sears Ten days after Election Day, Shellenberger officially prevailed Friday in the Democratic contest between him and Robbie Leonard, a former public defender who is now an attorney in private practice. This decision must also be balanced with a knowledge and judgement in prosecution which addresses the circumstances police officers are placed in while working to protect the community. He said Shellenberger is out of touch with Democratic primary voters. Tilghman said Shellenberger has not shown fairness to people of color, pointing to factors including his stance on state juvenile justice reform legislation. 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 . On election day I got the most votes. 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 Attorney Robbie Leonard said Monday he will challenge Shellenberger in next June's primary. Additionally, it found three prosecutors were consulted on the most cases, of the 56 the audit examined that named a prosecutor. Those that don't or choose not to must be appropriately addressed. Haynes, 72, of Rodgers Forge, is a retired administrative judge with the U.S. Department of Labor and a former state assistant attorney general. Elected officials such as Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., he noted, have endorsed his opponent. Shellenberger told The Sun he spoke with Dever and said it was a wrong thing to say to a victim.. 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. Danielle E. Gaines contributed to this report. Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for Baltimore County. Assistant State's Attorney. Both Shellenberger and Leonard have declined to discuss the changes in vote totals over the last week of counting. At the end of the day, Robbie garnered so much support because so many people supported his vision, Rev. Now the Democratic incumbent will have a Republican challenger, and that's only if he can win the contested Democratic primary. Efforts at police reform are probably a never ending process. The race was marked by heavy outside spending by progressive political action committees that sought to unseat Shellenberger. We cannot ignore, however, that there are victims of low-level offenses also. Before pursuing journalism, she received her bachelors of fine art degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 2016. Leonard conceded about 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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. Occupation: Baltimore County states attorney, 2007-present. McDonough faces a misdemeanor theft charge in connection with allegations he stole a Badillo campaign sign in Parkville. Baltimore Sun Media's voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. I was involved actively in that process at both the County and State level. A civil trial is scheduled for September. The Incumbent there, Albert Peisinger is also on the verge of being ousted. Leonard spoke frequently of racial disparities in the criminal justice system. 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.. Updated: 12:28 PM EST Nov 9, 2022 TOWSON, Md. Shellenberger must defend his office in a jury trial in September against allegations that it and police detectives violated a womans First Amendment rights by trying to stop her from filing criminal charges against men she said raped her. Return to Election Result Index . 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. 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. 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. Its paramount that the states attorneys office for Baltimore County creates written guidelines for prosecuting sexual assaults and to follow national best practices as recommended by a 2019 task force. Weve got to prosecute the bad guys and sometimes its going to be the police.. He said he loves his job and believes that the office contributes a lot toward keeping people safe. 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. If you say youre going to fight crime, fight crime.. HUNT VALLEY, Md. 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. Had we sent that mailer two weeks earlier, I probably would have walked away the victor. Shellenberger, 63, of Towson, said his experience makes him the most qualified candidate. Leonard said arresting possible human trafficking victims preposterous. Now, for the first time in 12 years, Shellenberger faces a Republican opponent, Jim Haynes, an attorney and former Maryland assistant attorney general, on Election Day. WYPO 106.9 FM Ocean City, PublishedSeptember 20, 2021 at 10:22 PM EDT. Doug Riley, who served on the Baltimore County Council from 1990-1998, said hes known Haynes for almost 40 years and believes that he has a good perspective about the criminal justice system and how it can be used to help people. Gaskill has had bylines in The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune, among other publications. The Baltimore Banner may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. The 2021 audit said it couldnt assess case outcomes at trial because of COVID-19 delays. Leonard has run unsuccessfully for public office twice before, including a close state senate race he lost in 2018 to Republican Chris West. With roughly 35,000 Baltimore County ballots yet to be counted, the Democratic primary for states attorney was extremely close Tuesday night, with hundreds of votes separating attorney and Maryland Democratic Party Secretary Robbie Leonard and longtime incumbent Scott Shellenberger. 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. 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. WYPF 88.1 FM Frederick And its not OK for the states attorneys office to turn their back on their sworn oath.. 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