State’s Attorney Bates Hires Three New Division Chiefs

Six New Assistant State’s Attorneys Hired Overall

Baltimore, Md. (January 9, 2023) - Today, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates announces six new Assistant State’s Attorneys (ASAs) have been hired, with three to serve as Division Chiefs in the State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO). Kristin C. Tracy will be the Division Chief for the Post-Conviction and Motions Unit. Jesse A. Halvorsen is returning to the SAO as the Division Chief for the Special Victims Unit. Samantha Mildenberg is returning as the Division Chief for the Narcotics and Major Investigations Unit. In addition to the new ASAs, two new law clerks were also hired, bringing over 62 years of experience to the SAO. All of the new hires are effective January 9, 2023.

“Today’s announcement is the first of many to come as I work to not only fully rebuild the State’s Attorney’s Office to its former prestige but also ensure our attorneys are equipped with the essential resources, training, and support they need to be successful in their mission to prosecute all crimes in Baltimore,” said State’s Attorney Bates. “These new Division Chiefs exemplify the level of talent and judicial acumen I plan to bring back to the Office. Kristin is a rising star in post-conviction and appellate work, and her addition allows our office to establish a Division that will take some of the extra work off of overworked staff. Jesse honed his prosecutor chops in the SVU division, and he understands how to lead and put these complex cases together, all while bringing back over 20 years of experience to an office that has suffered a talent drain. Samantha brings extensive expertise in prosecuting violent crime, which is the primary focus of my administration, coupled with her experience in the local, state, and federal government. All three are ready to hit the ground running and get to work.”

Kristin C. Tracy has represented clients in civil and criminal appeals in Maryland’s appellate courts, the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit through all phases of post-conviction proceedings. Most recently, Kristin worked in private practice, where she represented indigent clients as an assigned public defender on behalf of the Office through all phases of direct criminal appeals in the Appellate Court of Maryland and on writs in the Supreme Court of Maryland. She earned her Juris Doctor summa cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law. 

"Post-conviction proceedings not only represent an important step in ensuring the integrity of a conviction, but they can also have an impact beyond the individual case. I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the City of Baltimore by working to maintain fair and just convictions in the Post-Conviction and Motions Unit. I am equally as excited to lead the Office’s motions and appeals duties to support the work being done by the amazing attorneys in the Office," said ASA Tracy.

Jesse A. Halvorsen is a seasoned trial attorney with over 25 years of experience in government and private practice settings. Most recently, he was the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Permits and Litigation at Baltimore Housing. Jesse previously worked as an ASA in Baltimore City from 2004 to 2016. During that time, he worked in various Felony divisions, including Economic Crimes, General Felony, and finally, in the Special Victims Unit (SVU). While at SVU, Jesse successfully prosecuted various serious crimes, including several homicides. Jesse brings a wealth of experience in investigating and prosecuting Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault. He is also committed to expanding the role of the State's Attorney's Office in investigating and prosecuting Human Trafficking. Before 2004, Jesse worked in Baltimore Housing as an ASA and Special Assistant City Solicitor prosecuting property-based crimes. In addition to his government service, Jesse has worked in various private practice settings, which has given him a broad base of experience that he incorporates into his work as a prosecutor. He earned his Juris Doctor from Temple University School of Law. 

"I am accepting this position because I am passionate about protecting vulnerable populations and individuals. I believe there is a way to seek justice by ensuring proportionate and meaningful consequences for the perpetrators of violence. At the same time, we must treat victims and witnesses with dignity and compassion," said ASA Halvorsen.

Samantha Mildenberg has prosecuted criminals at the local, state, and federal levels over the last decade. She began her career in the SAO as an ASA responsible for investigating and prosecuting violent repeat offenders for the Juvenile Division. Later, Samantha served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. After that, she served as a Trial Attorney in the Department of Justice's Organized Crime and Gang Section. Most recently, Samantha served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Organized Crime Unit for the Office of the Attorney General in Baltimore. While there, she conducted long-term, complex investigations and prosecutions of gangs and violent criminal organizations and coordinated with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to strategize and combat organized crime throughout the State of Maryland. Samantha earned her Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. 

"My first job as an attorney was as a prosecutor in this office over a decade ago. Baltimore taught me how to be a trial lawyer under fire, and the dedicated prosecutors with whom I worked became lifelong friends and mentors. I left the office eight years ago, refining my trial and investigative skills as a prosecutor in other state jurisdictions and federally. I am highly honored to return ‘home’ and work for State’s Attorney Bates, who is committed to rebuilding and restoring Baltimore’s faith in the Office of the State’s Attorney," said ASA Mildenberg.