In the News

Browse news coverage about the State’s Attorney’s Office.

July 22, 2026

Man convicted of murdering Baltimore police officer found guilty of fraud in prison

"The attempts made by the defendant to falsely exonerate himself and receive financial benefits not only put the accreditation of our world-class crime lab at risk, but also undermine every real petition of actual innocence that comes forward from wrongfully convicted individuals," Baltimore County State's Attorney Ivan Bates said. "Thanks to the diligent work of our Conviction Integrity Unit, this attempted deception was caught before a dangerous offender with a lengthy criminal record could be potentially released from incarceration and steal taxpayer dollars."

July 21, 2026

Jury convicts Baltimore man in killing after visitation dispute

Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates touted the conviction as proof his office will hold people who commit gun violence in the city accountable.

July 13, 2026

'Twitter Fingers' Turn Baltimore Arsonist's 30-Year Sentence Into 50 Years: Prosecutors

Baltimore resident John Best was sentenced on Monday, July 13, to an additional 20 years after a jury found him guilty of witness intimidation for threatening the woman set to testify against him in his arson case, the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office announced.

January 21, 2026

Baltimore State's Attorney Champions 'T.I. Bill' for Just Arrest Warrant Issuance at Maryland General Assembly Opening

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates unveiled his office's third legislative agenda at the Maryland General Assembly's Opening Day. Bates, now also the president of the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association (MSAA), is advocating for the Court Commissioners | False Statements bill with a focus on fairness and accountability in the criminal justice system. The proposed bill is a response to the arrest of rapper T.I. in 2023 from a warrant issued in Baltimore based on a court commissioner’s acceptance of a statement of facts from an individual, without any evidence or consultation with law enforcement or prosecutors.

January 21, 2026

Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates talks reelection, city crime strategy

We came in with 140 prosecutors. We now have 200. We’d love to get more money from the city to have even more, and to get raises for the prosecutors here now, because they’re a golden commodity and they’re going to be offered jobs. So, the first thing is to continue to stabilize the office.

January 21, 2026

Former Baltimore Teacher Receives Maximum Penalty For Student Sex Abuse

Mustafa Pitts, 48, was found guilty on July 16 of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, and faced a total penalty of 55 years in prison, the state's attorney said previously.

January 21, 2026

Sister of Baltimore homicide victim pleads guilty to witness intimidation during trial

Kendal Holt, Cameran's sister, was convicted of sending threatening text messages to a witness after the witness testified during the homicide trial of Alexis Cancel-Soto, Bates said.

January 21, 2026

Baltimore records nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2025

Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates taking office in 2023 coincided with the beginning of the crime decline, and his crackdown on illegal guns became the cornerstone of his work.

January 21, 2026

Baltimore Police officer pleads guilty to unlawful sexual contact with 16-year-old girl

“The harm caused by former Officer Curlon Edwards was profound, and no one—especially someone entrusted with authority—has the right to abuse their position and violate another person,” Bates said. “We hope this outcome affirms the survivor’s courage in coming forward and reinforces that our office will stand with victims, pursue accountability, and work to ensure their voices are heard.”