1.18.11: Couplin Found in Violation of Probation, Sentenced to Nearly Nine Years
January 18, 2011 -- Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John Addison Howard sentenced John Couplin today to nearly nine years in prison for violating probation when he was convicted of a crime in neighboring Baltimore County.
Couplin was serving probation for a 2008 knife-point robbery in the Guilford-Oakenshawe neighborhood. For the crime, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with more than eight years of the term suspended.
Judge Howard gave Couplin to the full balance of the suspended sentence for the probation violation.
"The State's Attorney's Office is committed to seeking substantial terms of incarceration for the relatively small group of violent, repeat offenders who prey on our citizens," State's Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein said. "I want to thank the community residents who provided their support in this case. partnering with communities is important to achieving our goal to make Baltimore safer."
"This time last year, the Guilford-Oakenshawe neighborhood was beseiged by a series of violent attacks," said City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, whose 14th district includes Guilford and Oakenshawe. "When Mr. Couplin was arrested, the siege stopped. I am grateful to Judge Howard, to the police, to prosecutors, and to members of our community watch program for working so hard to restore and maintain the peace that every person in our city needs and deserves."