In The News

Man pleads guilty in viral attack after Baltimore Ravens-Washington Commanders game

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In a statement Monday, Bates called the behavior seen in the viral video “abhorrent,” and said the outcome conveys that his office will not tolerate hate-filled acts. “There is never a scenario in which violence is acceptable in our city,” Bates said. Read more.

Pragmatic Prosecutors: Convictions in Baltimore surge with state’s attorney’s ‘smart on crime’ policies

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Bates campaigned on cracking down on gun violence and restarting prosecutions for nonviolent crimes such as drug possession, prostitution, and trespassing. He promised to improve technology in the state’s attorney’s office, hire and train more staff, and work closely with federal authorities. Read more.

Man found guilty of murder after pushing person onto subway tracks in Baltimore

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“In a callous act of violence, the defendant pushed the victim not once, but twice, ensuring that he tragically fell from the subway station platform to his death,” Bates said. “It is unfathomable to consider the anguish of a family awaiting a loved one who will never return due to such senseless brutality.” Read more.

Judge Sentences Metro Track Murder Defendant to 40 Years

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On April 12, 2023, White and Foster were riding in the same train car when White observed an interaction between Foster and other passengers. Foster was seated next to a female passenger who became agitated by his presence. After three young passengers entered the train and started to interact with Foster, White testified that, “I was just trying to defuse the situation.” Read more.

Maryland inmates serving life terms could earn early release under new bill; some state’s attorneys oppose it -

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Bates said he believes in second chances and will support the Second Look Act. “This bill represents a beacon of hope, offering individuals who have proven their rehabilitation through measurable actions, as determined by a judge before their release, the opportunity to reclaim their place in society,” Bates said. “Moreover, it stands to save the state millions of dollars by ending the costly practice of warehousing those ready to contribute meaningfully. By investing in those ready to reintegrate, we can foster a society where everyone has the chance to contribute positively. Together, we can create a future where everyone has a chance to thrive.” Read more.

Jury Finds Teen Guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder

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The jury found King guilty of attempted first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime, use of an assault weapon with a magazine, firearm possession with a felony conviction, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault. Read more.

Grandmother charged in 9-year-old girl’s accidental shooting

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Alethea Mitchell is facing multiple firearm charges, including firearm possession with a felony conviction, possession of a stolen firearm and allowing firearm access by a minor, according to online court records. Read more.

Baltimore's anti-violence strategy sees success. Ivan Bates says it can do even better.

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Murders and nonfatal shootings are down in Baltimore, while arrests and prosecutions are up. Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates wants to sustain that trend, and says it is time to refocus the Group Violence Reduction Strategy. GVRS is the city's effort to reduce violence in Baltimore by intervening in the lives of residents determined to be at highest risk of being involved in gun violence. Plus, what does the recent shake-up at the U.S. Department of Justice portend for Maryland, and the cooperation between federal and local authorities in Baltimore? And what is the future of Baltimore’s Citation Docket for low-level crimes? Read more.

Judge Hands Down Decades-Long Sentence For 2023 Murder Outside Adult Club

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Betters, who was represented by defense attorney Michael Tomko, was tried before a jury in September 2024 and found guilty of second-degree murder, firearm use in a felony or violent crime and firearm possession with a felony conviction. Judge Yolanda A. Tanner presided over the five-day trial and imposed his sentence on Tuesday. Read more.

Ivan Bates: Successful public safety begins and ends with a collaborative approach | GUEST COMMENTARY -

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Over the past two years, Baltimore City has witnessed over 5,000 felony cases charged and closed, more than 1,700 repeat, violent offenders put behind bars with a sentence of five years without the possibility of parole, and nearly 300 individuals convicted of murder. Over three years, we have seen 355 individuals prosecuted through the mayor’s Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), and 201 offered services instead of prosecution. Read more.