In The News

Baltimore prosecutor targets crimes against older adults

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The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office doesn't just focus on prosecuting violent crime. The office is committed to protecting older adults in the city. Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates explains how. Read more.

Prosecutor Ivan Bates on Baltimore's drop in crime

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Homicides in the city and violent crimes involving young people are at decade lows, and the drop in gun violence is considerable. As of this past week, fewer than 100 people have been killed in the city. As of this past week, 84 people were killed in the city. That's a noticeable decline from 2024, when the city reported 115 homicides. Read more.

Baltimore sees decline in homicides amid policy shift by state's attorney

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Bates had promised a tough stance on illegal firearms, stating, "If you're a felon and you have an illegal gun, we're going to invoke mandatory minimums. We're going to be very very tough on illegal handguns...people will go to jail." Read more.

Ivan Bates: Progress on violence, but juvenile crime needs improvement

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Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said the city is seeing significant progress in reducing violent crime but acknowledged that quality-of-life offenses remain a major challenge. Speaking with WBAL’s Bryan Nehman and C4, Bates pointed to a steep drop in homicides compared to three years ago. Read more.

Ivan Bates: Md. prosecutors ‘cautiously optimistic’ over new juvenile services secretary | GUEST COMMENTARY

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However, with the recent decision by Gov. Wes Moore to move on from Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) Secretary Vincent Schiraldi and announce the appointment of Betsy Fox Tolentino as acting DJS secretary, we are cautiously optimistic about the future of the juvenile system. Read more.

State's Attorney Ivan Bates announces convictions, sentences for multiple violent offenses

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Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced his Homicide Unit successfully secured several convictions and sentences this week for various offenses. Read more.

Man sentenced to life in prison after killing girlfriend's daughter

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A Windsor Mill man was sentenced to life in prison after shooting and killing his girlfriend’s 12-year-old daughter last summer in East Baltimore. Court records show Omar Passmore, who turned 29 earlier this month, pleaded guilty Tuesday to first-degree murder and a firearm offense. Read more.

State's Attorney Town Hall

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The guests included Ivan Bates, Jamie Dykes, Rich Gibson, and Haven Shoemaker, and they discussed incoming DJS Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino, programming for juveniles, and what the scope of the juvenile crime problem is in Maryland. Read more.

Man sentenced to life for killing former Loyola basketball star

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In a statement, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates called the killing “exceedingly cruel and brutal” and said he hopes the life sentence “brings a measure of justice for the senseless and tragic loss” of Barney. Read more. 

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates Elected President of Maryland State’s Attorneys' Association

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Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates has been unanimously elected to preside over the Maryland State’s Attorneys' Association (MSAA), as announced at their annual conference in Ocean City. Taking the reins from Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson, Bates is slated to put in two years at the helm, with the possibility of extending his leadership for one more term. While the baton has been passed, new plans are being set for the journey ahead. Read more.