In the News

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

Lawmakers propose Sacred Places Safety Act to increase penalties for violent crimes

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates also expressed his support for the bill with this statement to WJZ: "I am proud to support HB547 alongside my colleague, State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy. HB547 is an important piece of public safety legislation that will enhance protections for some of the most vital areas of our communities. Common sense bills like this make the 2024 legislative session so critically important to Maryland's public safety."

Parents of murdered Baltimore tech CEO have message for lawmakers

“We want the lawmakers to help change the laws that weren’t very effective,” Caroline LaPere said. “If House Bill 301 can pass, that would eliminate some of the violence because you shouldn’t have violent criminals released early from prison to go out and create havoc. In our case, murder someone that you love.”

Man receives life sentence for shooting, killing 13-year-old girl in Southeast Baltimore

"While this lengthy sentence ensures this defendant will never be free to walk our streets again, it still cannot bring back Kelsey Washington, whose life was taken from her family and community at just 13 years of age."  Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates said.  "This case is a painful reminder of what is at stake when gun violence takes hold of a city, and we must do everything in our power to eliminate it."

Maryland Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child to Produce Child Pornography

U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Jose Hilario Aldana-Moreno, age 37, of Baltimore, Maryland, yesterday to 22 years in federal prison, followed by 40 years of supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child to produce of child pornography.  Judge Hollander also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Aldana-Moreno must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.

‘My Son Died So Future People Can Live,’ Victim’s Mother Says at Killer’s Sentencing

Stewart’s mother said she wished the events that unfolded that terrible day had done so differently and that the co-defendants and victims could have talked things through. “I wish in my heart and soul that I wasn’t jealous and envious of [Shuler’s] family,” she added. “They get to see him. They get to be with him. They get to talk to him.” Since the deaths, Palmer’s mother said she came to the realization that “my son, Brian Christopher Palmer, died so future people can live,” referring to Shuler being put behind bars. 

Chase Wilson Sentenced For Fatal Shooting Of Julian Fruh

“A homicide near Morgan State University, at an off-campus housing facility, a place that should be a safe haven for our young people to learn, grow, and thrive in, is deeply traumatizing," States Attorney Ivan Bates said. "Though Mr. Wilson will spend the next two decades in prison, this sentence pales in comparison to the life he took from 19-year-old Mr. Julian Fruh."