Advertisement Incumbent Democrat Johnny Olszewski defeated former. States attorney, he said, is not a position to learn on the job. Critics have targeted Shellenberger over his handling of sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents. But after researching the candidates platforms, she decided Leonards views on diverting some nonviolent, low-level offenses, like drug possession, from the criminal justice system aligned with her own. In response, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021. After early voting when people showed up for eight days, I got the most votes. It appears incumbent Democratic Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger could lose his seat to well funded progressive challenger Robbie Leonard. County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., who was elected in 2018, faced little competition in the Democratic race. 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. Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter. Shellenbergers tactic is to lean on the justice system. 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 . Early numbers showed a very tight race, with the two separated by a fraction of a percentage point. 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. Cox initially said he would offer some comment but left without speaking to reporters after the results were announced. 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. Leonard said that incarceration for drug offenses and prostitution doesnt work. Do voters want change? Pausing on her way to drop off a ballot at Stoneleigh Elementary School, West Towson resident Ilaina Clement, 62, said she voted for Leonard because she supports his positions on criminal justice reform. If you say youre going to fight crime, fight crime.. 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. We cannot ignore, however, that there are victims of low-level offenses also. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at anytime. County Executive . But Mohler and other Shellenberger supporters also point to the influence of outside money that supported Leonards candidacy. He later changed his position, saying he saw the value in testing all kits because doing so can link suspects to other sex offenses. 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. 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. 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. When faced with holding police accountable, how should prosecutors navigate investigating and potentially bringing charges against an agency the office works closely with? As of this publishing, the two are separated by less than 1,000 votes which is just shy of two percentage points. 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. We must endeavor to address the root causes of crime and help those driven by issues often out of their control. One Republican, Al Nalley, ran unopposed. We just work cooperatively toward that goal.. Baltimore County State's Attorney is challenged on prosecution . 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. an audit to examine possible racial disparities. McDonough faces a misdemeanor theft charge in connection with allegations he stole a Badillo campaign sign in Parkville. Daily Record Government Reporter The State's Attorney needs to be actively involved in addressing these issues when we are dealing with lower level crimes. One group, the Maryland Justice & Public Safety PAC, poured more than $780,000 into an effort to support Leonards candidacy with mailers, TV ads and other campaign spending. 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. Of those, the three unnamed prosecutors brought charges in three out of 33. He took office in 2007. Shellenberger said he has tried to run his office in a nonpolitical way. all male county council, and men as state's attorney . 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. The county police and fire unions backed Shellenberger, while Leonard won endorsements from local Democratic clubs, progressive groups and other labor organizations, including the county teachers union. Leonard said the incumbents opposition to local police reform policies mobilized him to challenge Shellenberger. I think we have kept things fresh, even though Ive been here a long time, Shellenberger said. -- Two big races played out on Election Day in Baltimore County in 2022. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, some scrutiny for his handling of police involved shooting incidents. 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. Attorney Robbie Leonard said Monday he will challenge Shellenberger in next Junes primary. The strength of Leonards candidacy, I think, suggests that the public has an appetite for criminal justice reform.. 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. 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. 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. Haynes brought up the allegations in the lawsuit that led to the recent settlement. 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, 63, has criticized Leonard for his lack of prosecutorial experience, his party politics and perspective on criminal justice reform. 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 . WYPO 106.9 FM Ocean City, PublishedSeptember 20, 2021 at 10:22 PM EDT. If re-elected, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent crime, which has been on the rise in Baltimore County. Tagged with: Baltimore County Elections scott shellenberger. (Ex: Low-level drug offenses vs. violent crimes with victims, etc.). But the results took more than a week and initially Leonard led the 16-year incumbent by more than 800 votes. 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. The council elections took place under a newly drawn political map. Shellenberger has said the office doesnt collect data around the number of criminal prosecutions, convictions or victim and perpetrator demographics making it challenging for observers to analyze outcomes. . 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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. He plans to hold a rally in Patriots Plaza in Towson at 2 p.m. WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore But when counting of mail-in ballots started later that week, Shellenberger closed the gap and then gained ground. Election Day is Nov. 8. 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 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. 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. The criminals havent scored any more points, he later added. Pat Young was ahead of candidates Paul Dongarra and Danielle Nicole Singley in early returns. And it recommended partnerships with organizations that have expertise and considering including victim advocates in some interviews and charging discussions. We came up short of victory, but we started a real conversation for change, said Leonard, speaking to reporters at the county Board of Elections building. Some though have been settled. Tilghman, of Ames United Methodist Church in Bel Air, supported the state Child Interrogation Protection Act for kids taken into police custody. 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. Retired from the US Department of Labor as Appellate . Learn more about supporting local journalism. 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. Leonard spoke frequently of racial disparities in the criminal justice system. 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. If Leonard clinches the Democratic nomination, hell have ousted one of the most prominent voices on law enforcement and criminal justice in Annapolis. 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. I am absolutely committed to that. Past experience: Felony panel attorney with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender and U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 1984-1987. I have stressed that during my time as the State's Attorney to all who work for me. Shellenbergers re-election bid got off to a slow start. The democratic primary race for Baltimore County State's Attorney relies on thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots before a winner can be declared. He said his office now requires more documentation about its decisions to approve or decline charges in similar cases. 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. Shellenberger painted Leonard, who has never been a prosecutor, as unprepared for the office. For the first time in a decade, Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger (D) will have a Republican opponent to campaign against if he can beat Robbie Leonard (D) in the 2022 primary election. Hes very intelligent. Sure it helped, said Leonard. The world has changed a lot in the last four years, Jaros said. 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. I do not believe the facts that you revealed the first time to the police amount to a crime in the state of Maryland.. 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. They deserve some finality. Shellenberger said he acted out of concern for the woman, because he believed the men might file criminal charges or a lawsuit against her. 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 ran on a progressive platform and portrayed Shellenberger as out of step with todays Democrats on issues such as police reform. She grew up in Ocean City. BALTIMORE Although the Primary Election has come and gone, some races have yet to be called. And the voters of Baltimore County deserve that change.. She said in the online meeting that was one of the reasons the prosecutor was concerned about moving forward in my case.. 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.. Crime, he said, is regional. Theres a point at which you get out of the process. Subscribers to The Daily Record can access the digital edition archive. WYPR - 88.1 FM Baltimore | We continue to train and learn more to find the best way to pursue sexual assaults. Deputy States Attorney John Cox, who represented his boss, and Leonard were both present in the final hour of counting. No point in refreshing my browser window all night long when I could be catching some Zs, he said. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. Juris doctor from University of Baltimore of School of Law in 1984. Im worth fighting for, she said in the interview. He said at the time that law enforcement has limited resources, and often a rape suspects identity is not in question because the victim and perpetrator know each other. Learn more about supporting local journalism. I am committed to fight for the victims and a hope for peace in their lives after my office has achieved justice for them. These cookies do not store any personal information. Were going to lose if we play defense, Haynes said. He vowed to continue to seek the fair administration of justice for and the protection of anyone residing in or visiting Baltimore County.. 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. The Republican candidates are James Haynes, a retired attorney who previously worked as an administrative judge for the U.S. Department of Labor and at the state attorney general and public defender offices, and Deborah Hill, who has represented state employee retirees in a lawsuit challenging a reduction in their prescription drug benefits. 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. Mail-in ballots wont begin to be canvassed until Thursday and it could take days or possibly weeks for winners to be declared. Learn more about supporting local journalism. wont begin to be canvassed until Thursday, Live election results: Baltimore County primary results, Live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary, boosted by super political action committee, CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice. I will continue to fight to get more resources to properly fund an office which can address all crime. Were one of the only large counties to certify its elections today, said County Elections Director Ruie Lavoie. 72. So what we learned in this campaignwe just have to start earlier in making that contrast between the candidates. I was involved actively in that process at both the County and State level. State Del. Baltimore Sun Media's voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. . The Democratic nominee will face either Republicans James A. Haynes or Deborah Hill in the November general election. The public perception of the criminal justice system. Shellenberger said he intended to help the woman and did not want the men to sue her for claims such as false arrest. His sole challenger was Adam Reuter, whose campaign focused on public schools and opposing government mandates related to COVID-19. The woman disputed Shellenbergers suggestion that her story changed and said he told her last year he believed her allegation because she was consistent.. It noted there were continuing challenges for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues. 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. That doesnt mean that everybody goes to jail, he said. Some female voters told The Baltimore Sun during the campaign that issues related to sexual assault were why they supported Leonard. Not just paying your salary paying for your mistakes.. The Baltimore Banner is a trademark registered in the U.S. for The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With in-person and early voting ballots tallied, Leonard held a narrow lead of 860 votes. 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. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Our job is to strive to always do the right thing. Rodriguez said a case should move forward on its own laurels, on its own facts.. Hes always opposing legislation being put in by Democrats.. 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. Currently, he is trailing Republican challenger Alison M. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes. With the limits on resources with which I am provided, that is where my priorities will be. That in itself, I think, is horrific.. Attorney at the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos from 1993-2006. Witnesses and victims of crime do not get paid to come to court, Haynes said. Acie Spencer, 55, said he voted for Shellenberger and other incumbents who he says have run their offices effectively. We must be attuned to the issues from both the perspective of the man on the street and the officer on the beat. McDonough denies he stole the sign and a trial is scheduled for Aug. 29. 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. And its not OK for the states attorneys office to turn their back on their sworn oath.. Review of sentences is another issue. Offers may be subject to change without notice. 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). As states attorney, Shellenberger said, he constantly makes changes. One local professor said he sees the closeness of the race as a sign county voters are more open to criminal justice reforms than some previously believed. 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. 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. 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. 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. The state's attorney is elected to a four-year term and earns a salary of $216,749. He said he feels that he has a greater diversity of experience than his opponent. On election day I got the most votes. For decades, the crime rate has been decreasing in the United States. Shellenberger: 30,449 Leonard: 29,531 There remains 28,000 more mail-in ballots to process that Baltimore. Civil rights groups sued the county after last years redistricting process, alleging the plan unlawfully diluted Black residents votes. Education: Bachelors degree in English from the University of Maryland in 1973. Leonards and the PACs messaging focused heavily on Shellenbergers handling of sexual assault cases. The task forces original report found prosecutors declined to charge in 57% of the audits sampling of sexual assault cases reported from 2016 through 2018, and brought charges in 34%. The Baltimore Sun typically does not name people who say they are victims of sexual assault. The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City takes a holistic approach to fighting crime, keeping the community informed, investing in Baltimore's youth before they encounter the criminal justice system and providing second-chance opportunities to first-time nonviolent offenders. All rights reserved. Shellenberger has a close relationship with the Baltimore County Police Department, which has been questioned in the past. No one thought we could take on a 16-year incumbent but look what we accomplished, said Leonard. From our perspective, we see the states attorney as a law-and-order candidate, Folderauer said And obviously, that is the oath that we have taken. Shellenberger is of the mindset that all laws should be enforced. BALTIMORE -- Scott Shellenberger has garnered enough votes to maintain his position as Baltimore County state's attorney, according to election records. Juris doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1981. The Republican primary, meanwhile, attracted six candidates. 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. Subscribers to Maryland Family Law Update can access the digital edition archive. On Tuesday, Bates, 54, of Locust Point, was elected as the next Baltimore state's attorney. Prosecutors had declined to take the case, but the woman tried to pursue charges on her own through the court commissioner. When you get into the process, the taxpayers in Maryland and Baltimore County end up paying for your mistakes, said Haynes, referring to the states attorneys offices involvement in the case. That is about to change. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I really think this is all about experience, and knowing how this office works, Shellenberger said. 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. It appears that this has been accomplished. 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. Others vying for the GOP nomination were Henry Ciezkowski, Thilo August Albert Gluck, A. Scott Pappas and Kimberley Stansbury. 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. 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. Then there is the GOP Primary battle for Harford County State's Attorney. Early voting ends Nov. 3. The Baltimore Banner may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. That included Democrat Izzy Patoka of Pikesville. We have removed the defense that a person cannot be convicted of sexually assaulting a spouse. Leonard said he got tired of the status quo following the killing of George Floyd last year in Minneapolis by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer. Shellenberger has cruised to reelection for more than a decade. Shellenberger also said Leonards out-of-state support was troubling. He said that 52 Baltimore County residents testified in favor of the legislation at a public hearing. - 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. By late Friday afternoon, Shellenberger gained a 918-vote advantage over Leonard. Lawyer, admitted to the Maryland bar. Members of the BCSAO Honors Law Clerk Program are full-time benefitted employees of the BCSAO. Has Maryland gone too far, or far enough, when it comes to police reform? He said he loves his job and believes that the office contributes a lot toward keeping people safe. 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. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Ad Choices. Leonard said he wants to take most of the blame away from the police department in regard to how it handles rape allegations because theyre really just following the directions of Mr. Shellenberger.. The way that we can prevent it from happening again is to get good sentences, in the area of violent crime. I worked to remove a requirement of "resistance" by victims of a sexual assault. He said hed like to post information about the office and its results as a measure of transparency on the website. I have fought over all my years as State's Attorney to be responsive to all victims. State's Attorney Republican Candidates - Vote for 1 Returns were incomplete Tuesday evening, with polls closing at 8 p.m. and a large number of ballots yet to be counted. I have worked during my entire tenure as State's Attorney to run an office that applies the prosecution of crime even-handedly regardless of race or social position. Gaskill has had bylines in The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune, among other publications. Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby lost her reelection bid to defense attorney Ivan Bates in the Democratic primary after she was indicted by a grand jury on federal charges. Apr 2013 - Sep 20141 year 6 months. Published on: October 27, 2022 6:00 AM EDT|Updated on: October 27, 2022 9:21 AM EDT. 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. Shellenberger received 44,962 votes or 51% compared to Leonard's 42,847 votes, 49%. David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) July 29, 2022 Only hundreds of votes. He has also called for an audit to examine possible racial disparities in charging decisions.
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