State’s Attorney also hires an additional three prosecutors, two of which are previous SAO employees
Baltimore, Md. (February 3, 2023) - Today, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates announces three new Assistant State’s Attorneys (ASAs) have been hired, in addition to a new division chief for Victim & Witness Services (VWS). Amanda Grantham will serve as the chief of the VWS division. Robert Schenker will serve as an ASA in District Court, Laura Ruppersberger will return to the SAO as a Narcotics ASA, and ASA James Zois is returning as a District Court prosecutor. All four new staff members bring over 51 years of experience to the office. The State’s Attorney has also promoted two veteran ASAs; Lindsay Keipper will serve as the office’s Drug Treatment Court Prosecutor, and Justin Dickman will lead the District Court Division as Chief.
“Today’s announcement is yet another testament to my commitment to fully rebuild the State’s Attorney’s Office by enhancing our capacity and capability to prosecute crimes in Baltimore effectively and efficiently,” said State’s Attorney Bates. “I am eager to welcome Amanda Grantham to lead our Victim & Witness Services division. Amanda has fourteen years of experience leading teams, including the Victim/Witness division at the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office. Her experience in this multi-faceted and critically important field will ensure our most vulnerable population receives the services they need as we work to hold offenders accountable. I am thrilled about this new opportunity for Justin Dickman and have full confidence in his ability to lead this essential division which serves as a training ground for many new prosecutors. I am also excited to have three new ASAs on board, two of whom are coming back to the office to serve the residents of Baltimore with talent and integrity.”
Since 2017, Amanda Grantham has led the Victim/Witness division of the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office. Before that role, she was an assistant director in the same division and a circuit court paralegal. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from Stevenson University and is professionally trained in victim services and human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual violence trauma-informed response training.
“The Victim and Witness Services Division is the public’s biggest ally within the State’s Attorney’s Office. Our advocates and I will do everything we can to ensure everyone’s experience with the court system is as smooth as possible,” said Division Chief Grantham. “I want to thank State’s Attorney Bates for allowing me to revamp this unit to ensure that we go above and beyond when it comes to notifying victims and witnesses of trial and hearing dates and supporting them through one of the most difficult moments in their life.”
ASA Justin Dickman will now serve as Division Chief for District Court. He has been with the SAO since 2013, with experience in the Firearms, Felony, and Major Investigations Divisions.
"I look forward to leading the talented team of prosecutors and support staff in the District Courts in service of the City of Baltimore. I want to thank State's Attorney bates for entrusting me with this great responsibility," said Division Chief Dickman.
ASA Robert Schenker has been practicing law since 2019. Before joining the SAO, he worked at House of Ruth Maryland, which provides a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and their children. ASA Laura Ruppersberger is returning to the SAO after serving in the office from 2015 to 2021. With seven years of legal experience, Laura has worked in the SAO’s District Court, Juvenile, Misdemeanor Jury Trial, and Narcotics divisions. She most recently served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. ASA James Zois returns to the SAO after serving in the District Court, Juvenile, and Felony Narcotics divisions from 1996 to 2000. James brings back over 25 years of legal experience to the office.
ASA Lindsay Keipper has been with the SAO for 15 years and will now serve as a prosecutor in Drug Treatment Court. She previously worked in the District Court, Juvenile, Misdemeanor, Felony, Narcotics, and Conviction Integrity divisions throughout her career at the office. Each of these ASAs is excited to be a part of the revitalization of the SAO.