In The News

'Do a better job': Ivan Bates wants state legislature to change repeat juvenile offender laws

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"I applaud Ivan's efforts in doing this. I think he's got a good mindset, but it has got to be a collaborative approach in partnership with (the Department of Juvenile Services)," said Sen. Bill Folden, R-District 4. Read more.

Baltimore man handed consecutive life sentences for gunning down two women on home porch

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On Monday Dandre Woods-Bethel was handed two Life sentences for shooting and killing Michelle Green and Julie Rice on Clifton Park Terrace. Read more.

How Baltimore’s violent crime rate hit an all-time low: ‘This is not magic. It’s hard work’

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“Everybody has a plan. The mayor had his plan. The police department, they have their plan,” Bates said. “And when I came and I ran for office, I had my plan. The plans have to work together as one.” Bates is quick to attribute the city’s reduction in violence to a team effort. For example, without victim assistance – which is supported by a federal grant – prosecutions that would have fallen apart in previous years concluded in convictions because witnesses could be found to appear in court. Police now are actually focused on removing illegal guns from the street, he said. Read more.

Man sentenced to 40 years in prison for 2023 murder in Baltimore

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Lamont Johnson was sentenced to 60 years, with all but 40 years suspended, for second-degree murder and use of firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in connection to the death of 21-year-old Tiwan Wilson. Read more.

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.