In The News
Efforts fail to change system that lets anyone file for criminal charges in Maryland
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Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, president of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association, lobbied for the bill. Bates noted that these charges rarely go anywhere. His office found that only 11 recent cases in which no police officer was involved have resulted in a conviction. “Today is a sad day for the people of Maryland,” Bates said in a statement. “A bill that is focused on stopping illegal arrests and mass incarceration was mired in political games.” Read more.
Man sentenced to 80 years for shooting at bicyclists outside Baltimore gas station
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Antonio Grant received the sentence for two counts of first-degree assault, as well as firearm-related charges, including use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and two counts of firearm possession by a prohibited person. Read more.
4 Baltimore Police officers face misconduct indictments in multiple incidents
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Officers Kevin Dugan, Kevin Hilton, Menachem Rosenbloom and Mordechai Mandelbaum were charged Friday in Baltimore Circuit Court, where they’re scheduled to make their initial appearances on April 27. It’s unclear if any of them have retained an attorney. Read more.
Don’t treat creativity in rap as a criminal confession | GUEST COMMENTARY
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“Everybody gon’ respect the shooter, but the one in front of the gun lives forever.” When an artist like Kendrick Lamar picks up a pen and writes creative lyrics like these, detailing realities about the streets they grew up on, the losses they have suffered or the anger they feel, they are doing what poets and storytellers have done across history, processing pain through art. They are not confessing to a crime. The same is true for young men and women from cities like Baltimore, whose creative expression should not be used against them as fact. Read more.
A man broke into Tia Hamilton’s business in Baltimore. She hugged him in court.
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“It looked like something out of a movie,” De La Cruz said. “It was a wonderful reminder as to why I became a prosecutor, and why seeking justice in this way can impact a person’s life and the community around where an incident happened.” Read more.
Man sentenced to 70 years for 2024 shooting at Baltimore carryout restaurant
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Records show that Morgan was previously convicted of manslaughter in 2002 and possession with intent to distribute in 1999. He was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous convictions. Read more.
Baltimore business owner chooses compassion over conviction for the young man who broke into her store
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Assistant State's Attorney Juan Isaac De La Cruz said they do not see this type of decision often, but it is one that will change the boy's life. "A juncture in his life where he could either go down one of several paths, to have Miss Tia be so ready and capable to take him under her wing is an amazing opportunity not only for him to not only make right with the damage that he has done to that particular business, but to the surrounding community," De La Cruz said. Read more.
64-year-old pleads guilty in Johnson Square Apartments killing; life sentence expected
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Tyrone Epps pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence for the deadly shooting of Paul Lee. Read more.
Baltimore Police officer pleads guilty to assaulting 2 people at SWAT holiday party
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Phinn sentenced Banocy to probation before judgment, which is not a conviction. She must also complete anger management classes and alcohol counseling. Read more.