"My goal has been to have 50 new state's attorneys since the election. We've already reached out to now that we have 40 new assistant state's attorneys, 12 of which left the office and returned since the election (in January)," said Bates.
“That greatly binds us in terms of what kinds of cases we can prosecute,” she said. “The Department of Juvenile Services really is a gatekeeper with regards to cases.”
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, who took office in January, held a news conference Thursday afternoon to announce the change, repeating a campaign promise to address so-called “quality of life” offenses. Bates said the program is a response to repeated complaints from residents who are “sick and tired” of seeing drug dealers on their blocks, among other problems. He said it will deliver a “return to accountability” in Baltimore and improve public safety.
Bates appeared beside the mayor and police commissioner to announce the plan that calls for officers to begin writing citations June 12. Adult offenders will be given two citations and offered community service before they will be prosecuted and face fines and jail time.
In this episode of 2 BMore, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates reflects on his first 100 days in office, the hurdles, the expectations, and the reality of reducing violent crime in the city.
"Trauma isn't always the bullet that may pierce the physical body. Trauma is what the children are seeing, what they're going through, what they're living in every single day," Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates said. "My hope and goal as state's attorney is to make sure that we don't have these young children eventually coming through the criminal justice system."
“I hope this indictment motivates victims to come forward regardless of how much time has passed or who the perpetrator is. No one is above accountability,” said State’s Attorney Ivan Bates in the news release. “I applaud my Public Trust and Police Integrity Unit for securing this indictment and beginning the pursuit of justice for the victims. I also thank Maryland State Police for their partnership and essential collaboration in this case.”
Lenny Epps, 43, was convicted on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and three counts of use of a handgun in the Commission of a Crime of Violence.
Bates pushed for the bill throughout the legislative session, his first as Baltimore’s top prosecutor. He told lawmakers the proposal would raise the stakes for people who illegally carry guns by creating the threat of more serious prison time.
