If elected, he plans to partner with state and local agencies and nonprofits to get people help rather than introducing them to the criminal justice system. Incumbent Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger, left, a Democrat, and Jim Haynes, right, a Republican, are running against each other. The death of George Floyd opened many eyes to the need for significant change. We established diversion programs for drug possession cases which seeks treatment rather than conviction. And it recommended partnerships with organizations that have expertise and considering including victim advocates in some interviews and charging discussions. Shellenberger opposed the legislation. Robbie Leonard and Scott Shellenberger, candidates for Baltimore County States Attorney. Im worth fighting for, she said in the interview. Election Day is Nov. 8. His last Republican challenger in the general election was in 2010. The voters of Baltimore County deserve that change. We came up short of victory, but we started a real conversation for change, said Leonard, speaking to reporters at the county Board of Elections building. It noted there were continuing challenges for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues. Doug Riley, who served on the Baltimore County Council from 1990-1998, said hes known Haynes for almost 40 years and believes that he has a good perspective about the criminal justice system and how it can be used to help people. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Ad Choices. These cookies do not store any personal information. This is contrary to our ethical obligation and does a disservice to victims of sexual assault if the process loses its legitimacy by inappropriate prosecutions. But in the days that followed, Leonard saw his lead eroded as more than 87,000 mail-in votes were counted. Tagged with: Baltimore County Elections scott shellenberger. Im happy to see that a billionaire couldnt buy an election, County Councilman Tom Quirk, an Oella Democrat who supported Shellenberger, said this week as Shellenberger was ahead during vote-counting. Leonard has been a practicing attorney for 15 years and served as a public defender in Baltimore City. He was ahead as votes started to be counted Tuesday night. Leonard said his campaign that ended in a narrow defeat should be seen as a signal for change in the countys criminal justice system. For the first time in a decade, Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger (D) will have a Republican opponent to campaign against if he can beat Robbie Leonard (D) in the 2022 primary election. One Republican, Al Nalley, ran unopposed. Leonard has run unsuccessfully for public office twice before, including a close state senate race he lost in 2018 to Republican Chris West. Find us in a community near year. And recent attack ads against Shellenberger airing on televisions and mailed to homes have focused on sexual assaults. The way we catch defendants who are guilty of human trafficking is to make an arrest in a prostitution case, said Shellenberger, who clarified that that doesnt mean that that person needs to be prosecuted for prostitution.. Return to Election Result Index . The statement came hours after The Daily Record reported that Shellenberger told his staff he needed time away from the office, citing exhaustion after the election. Name Party Early Voting Shellenberger said his office doesnt collect data on outcomes or demographics due to current staffing levels and the difficulties in tracking cases court outcomes, such as if someone charged with a sex crime was ultimately convicted of a lesser or different type of crime. If re-elected, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent crime, which has been on the rise in Baltimore County. HUNT VALLEY Baltimore County's incumbent state's attorney beat back an upstart primary challenger and will move on to the November general election. Haynes, 72, of Towson, said he has practiced in circuit courts throughout the state as well as briefed and argued cases before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and the Maryland Court of Appeals. This decision must also be balanced with a knowledge and judgement in prosecution which addresses the circumstances police officers are placed in while working to protect the community. Some female voters told The Baltimore Sun during the campaign that issues related to sexual assault were why they supported Leonard. Learn more about supporting local journalism. With roughly 35,000 Baltimore County ballots yet to be counted, the Democratic primary for states attorney was extremely close Tuesday night, with hundreds of votes separating attorney and Maryland Democratic Party Secretary Robbie Leonard and longtime incumbent Scott Shellenberger. Throughout his career, Leonard said hes represented minors and adults and served on the public defenders government relations team, where he testified on bills in the legislature. We need to have a police department which earns and deserves the respect of all. Working immediately to get an innocent person freed who has been wrongly convicted is probably the most important thing a prosecutor should do. HUNT VALLEY, Md. ]. Theres a growing awareness that the criminal justice system as usual is not acceptable, said David Jaros, faculty director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimores law school. The democratic primary race for Baltimore County State's Attorney relies on thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots before a winner can be declared. County prosecutors treatment of assault victims is the topic of an ongoing federal lawsuit. Shellenberger: 30,449 Leonard: 29,531 There remains 28,000 more mail-in ballots to process that Baltimore. "The U.S. Attorney's Office will monitor the federal, state and local elections in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on Nov. 6, 2018. In this instance, Dever said, the juror was a Black woman who told other jurors the defendant reminded her of her son and indicated she believed all Black women lie. The defendant was found not guilty in the trial. Occupation: Baltimore County states attorney, 2007-present. That doesnt mean that everybody goes to jail, he said. Critics have targeted Shellenberger over his handling of sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents. In the lawsuit, a woman accuses Shellenberger of sending police to her home to tell her to stop trying to pursue criminal charges against the men she said assaulted her. He announced in May that he is running for a fifth term. Baltimore Sun Media's voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. The states attorney is elected to a four-year term and earns a salary of $216,749. The 2021 audit also found more standardized documentation of prosecutors review of police cases. While some dismissed Leonard as a long-shot candidate and were stunned by the initial results, other observers believed the contest would be close, especially toward the end of the campaign. The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City takes a holistic approach to fighting crime, keeping the community informed, investing in Baltimore's youth before they encounter the criminal justice system and providing second-chance opportunities to first-time nonviolent offenders. . Soros has funded progressive prosecutor candidates around the country. Offers may be subject to change without notice. This has to be balanced with our efforts to pursue the assertive prosecution of crimes of violence to assure the public knows they can feel safe to live in this County and that they will be protected. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The prosecutor, Lisa Dever, told The Sun her intent was to explain you cant know jurors past experiences or what theyll bring to a case. The Legislature has decided that when the circumstances involve the death of an individual, that investigation will be by investigators attached to the Attorney General's Office. People in the community, he said, want to be safe from violent crime. Recently, Peisinger has also come under some scrutiny for his handling of police involved shooting incidents. She grew up in Ocean City. No Republican has challenged Shellenberger in the general election since 2010. He was challenged by Tony Fugett, who was one of an unprecedented number of Black candidates across the county to run for council after the redistricting lawsuit. He criticized Shellenbergers handling of sexual assaults and police shootings, and his stance on reform legislation in Annapolis, where he has had an influential voice on criminal justice issues. Retired from the US Department of Labor as Appellate . The Republican primary, meanwhile, attracted six candidates. Baltimore Countys top prosecutor faces a progressive challenger in his first primary fight in 16 years. That is about to change. Education: Bachelors degree in English from the University of Maryland in 1973. On election night, it looked like Shellenberger could be unseated after 15 years in office. It appears that this has been accomplished. He is what youve seen: Hes a man of great character. Shellenberger is of the mindset that all laws should be enforced. The Baltimore County Board of Elections certified the county's results Friday, following a week of counting thousands of mail-in and provisional ballots. For the first time in a decade, Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger (D) will have a Republican opponent to campaign against if he can beat Robbie Leonard (D) in the 2022 primary election. We must be attuned to the issues from both the perspective of the man on the street and the officer on the beat. I dont like smear campaigns, said Laurel Matey, a 49-year-old Catonsville resident, referring to the ads distributed by Leonard and his supporters that cast Shellenberger in a bad light. Ten days after Election Day, Shellenberger officially prevailed Friday in the Democratic contest between him and Robbie Leonard, a former public defender who is now an attorney in private practice. Leonard said he wants to take most of the blame away from the police department in regard to how it handles rape allegations because theyre really just following the directions of Mr. Shellenberger.. Four incumbents faced primary challengers. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Ad Choices. Appellate administrative judge on the Administrative Review Board in the U.S. Department of Labor, 2019-2021. Haynes said he wants to add six to 10 more assistant states attorneys and would serve as an advocate for the criminal justice system if it needed additional judges or police officers. He said the close primary made him realize that he needs to more frequently publicize some of the reforms that hes implemented including putting in place a marijuana diversion program and supporting the adoption of police body cameras. Lawyer, admitted to the Maryland bar. Violent crime, unquestionably, must be prioritized. He supports diverting low-level offenses out of the criminal justice system and wants to conduct a racial equity audit examining prosecutorial practices. wont begin to be canvassed until Thursday, Live election results: Baltimore County primary results, Live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary, boosted by super political action committee, CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice. The county police and fire unions backed Shellenberger, while Leonard won endorsements from local Democratic clubs, progressive groups and other labor organizations, including the county teachers union. A former public defender who is now in private practice, Leonard is secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party. Throughout the Democratic campaign, Leonard sought to bring scrutiny to Shellenbergers record in office. Leonard, 40, was boosted by super political action committee the Maryland Justice & Public Safety PAC, which quickly accrued more than half a million dollars in debt to a New York-based political consultant for advertising materials to promote his campaign. The states attorneys office is understaffed, he believes. I want to raise the level of professionalism in the office.. (AP Photo/Piper Blackburn). For those who are guilty and a Judge has decided the appropriate sentence, we cannot ignore and must be sensitive to the victims. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Rogers Forge, Baltimore County. Especially for State's Attorney in Baltimore and Harford Counties. Leonard agreed that crime needs to be addressed and that residents feel unsafe. Baltimore Sun Media May 17, 2022 at 3:43 pm Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger Democratic 63 Towson, Baltimore County State's Attorney for Baltimore. Efforts at police reform are probably a never ending process. 'This is a big job': Leonard Takes on Shellenberger in Baltimore County State's Attorney Primary By Hannah Gaskill May 30, 2022 Getty Images. Were one of the only large counties to certify its elections today, said County Elections Director Ruie Lavoie. Last summer, he represented unemployed Marylanders who successfully challenged Republican Gov. (Ex: Low-level drug offenses vs. violent crimes with victims, etc.). I am absolutely committed to that. The Maryland PAC is affiliated with the national Justice & Public Safety PAC, which has helped fund progressive prosecutor candidates in Virginia and Pennsylvania in recent years. Acie Spencer, 55, said he voted for Shellenberger and other incumbents who he says have run their offices effectively. Shellenbergers tactic is to lean on the justice system. Longtime Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger's record on handling sexual assault cases is in the spotlight as he seeks a fifth term as the county's top prosecutor.. Before pursuing journalism, she received her bachelors of fine art degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 2016. Early voting ends Nov. 3. We just work cooperatively toward that goal.. Baltimore County voters have made their selections in primary races for states attorney, the County Council and county executive ahead of the November general contest. In 2017, Shellenberger opposed mandatory testing of every rape kit. The prosecutors in this office have done a great job to be sensitive to all victims. Nonpartisan. We have, I believe, balanced the issues of prosecution and public safety very carefully, Shellenberger said. Sure it helped, said Leonard. Its important for the courts to get involved so that they can assist defendants in getting the help that they need, sometimes by making it a condition of probation.. Juris doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1981. We also need to continue our efforts to demonstrate to all citizens that the justice system must continue in our efforts to be race neutral and assure that all are treated fairly. What is the role of a prosecutor in seeking justice for people who may have been wrongly convicted or who received a sentence that should be reviewed due to changing circumstances? Last updated: 08/24/2022 04:50:11 PM. Leonard supporters said the candidates platform is what attracted voters. Prosecutors had declined to take the case, but the woman tried to pursue charges on her own through the court commissioner. A judge ruled in a hearing on Tuesday that the perjury and mortgage fraud trial for former Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby will remain in Baltimore despite attempts to move it. Nonprofit. He said he wouldnt discuss details because I dont think its fair to her, but alluded to what she told police and the timing of the report. But Mohler and other Shellenberger supporters also point to the influence of outside money that supported Leonards candidacy. Leonards and the PACs messaging focused heavily on Shellenbergers handling of sexual assault cases. Robbie Leonard continued to hold a narrow lead Wednesday of 860 votes over 15-year incumbent Scott Shellenberger for the Democratic nomination for Baltimore County State's Attorney. Published on: July 20, 2022 12:12 AM EDT|Updated on: July 22, 2022 6:28 PM EDT. A county task force formed in 2019 to examine sexual assault investigations identified the topic as an issue for the office, which includes Shellenberger and prosecutors. Offers may be subject to change without notice. I have done that throughout my term as State's Attorney. County Executive . Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter. represented state employee retirees in a lawsuit, Progressive Groups Endorse Robbie Leonard for Baltimore County States Attorney, Reform Council Recommends Ending Policy of Automatically Charging Some Youth as Adults, Mireku-North Launches Challenge to Montgomery County States Attorney, Moore joins with dignitaries at wreath laying ceremony before inauguration as states first Black governor, Moore faces great expectations and the weight of history as he takes office, Ahead of Moores inauguration as first Black governor, another first reflects, As Moore is inaugurated, the Black leaders who backed him are as enthusiastic as ever, Dayvon Love: Lets kill the woke straw man argument, Biden speaks of redeeming Americas soul during visit to Martin Luther Kings hometown church, Political Notes: Four more for the Moore team, plus the roster of Black Caucus leaders and an MLK Day fair housing event, Former delegate pleads guilty to misconduct in office for misusing state funds to pay for Middle River cottage, Consultants tell work group cannabis sales in Maryland could reach $1B after its legal. Official 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results for Baltimore County. Mail-in ballots wont begin to be canvassed until Thursday and it could take days or possibly weeks for winners to be declared. Alternate judge on Employees Compensation Appeals Board in the U.S. Department of Labor from 2006-2016. With two longtime Democratic County Council members not seeking reelection, including the only woman on the seven-member body, this years primary attracted a slew of hopefuls. The Baltimore County States Attorneys Office requested that law enforcement ask her not to seek charges against the men after prosecutors declined to proceed with a case. Leonard will make his bid for Baltimore County States Attorney official on Saturday. He vowed to continue to seek the fair administration of justice for and the protection of anyone residing in or visiting Baltimore County.. For example, many people are required to get drug treatment during probation. Weve got to prosecute the bad guys and sometimes its going to be the police.. Baltimore County voters have made their selections in primary races for state's attorney, the County Council and county executive ahead of the November general contest. In the 26 cases where prosecutors were consulted, the audit found, there were six that proceeded to criminal cases, 17 where charges were declined, one dismissed case and a request for further investigation of two cases. All Rights Reserved. Only Shellenberger and the Fraternal Order of Police appeared in opposition, according to Leonard. With the limits on resources with which I am provided, that is where my priorities will be. In elected, Haynes said, hed make every possible effort to work with the U.S. Attorneys Office and federal law enforcement on prosecutions involving gangs, drugs and illegal guns. Advertisement Incumbent Democrat Johnny Olszewski defeated former. I believe that my sense of independence will be much greater, said Haynes, who added that he would run the office in a nonpartisan manner. Leonard is the secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party. TurnAround, she said, is eager to work with the office on enhancing victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches to working with survivors. The Democratic nominee will face either Republicans James A. Haynes or Deborah Hill in the November general election. Marlon Tilghman, a pastor and county resident, said this week. Attorney Robbie Leonard said Monday he will challenge Shellenberger in next Junes primary. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at anytime. The Department of Justice has an important role in . David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) July 29, 2022 Only hundreds of votes. He took office in 2007. In that case, a juror told the prosecutor another member of the jury had convinced the others that all Black women lie, according to the womans account. He said Shellenberger is out of touch with Democratic primary voters. The. Leonard, 40, was the first Democrat to go up against Shellenberger, 63, since the incumbent was elected in 2006. I do not believe the facts that you revealed the first time to the police amount to a crime in the state of Maryland.. Black Lives Matter and issues related to mass incarceration have sort of gone mainstream as viable, relevant issues, Jaros said. advocated for a more progressive approach toward criminal justice, according to election results from the Maryland State Board of Elections, a jury came back with a not guilty verdict in 2013. Sign up to get the Maryland Matters Memo in your inbox every morning. The State's Attorney needs to be actively involved in addressing these issues when we are dealing with lower level crimes. The more time that people had to learn about the differences between the two of us, the people chose me. In the Democratic primary, Leonard has garnered an impressive list of endorsements so far, including from the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, Our Revolution, The Working Families Party, Progressive Maryland, CASA in Action and several labor unions. According to his most recent financial disclosure, he has around $22,000 in his campaign coffers. [Live election results: Baltimore County primary results]. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr.s attempt to end an enhanced federal benefit program early. They deserve some finality. Shellenberger said he acted out of concern for the woman, because he believed the men might file criminal charges or a lawsuit against her. Assistant attorney general and then trial attorney who handled insurance defense work for the same agency under different names, the State Accident Fund, Injured Workers Insurance Fund, and currently Chesapeake Employers Insurance, from 1987-2006. Robbie Leonard, an attorney in private practice who is challenging Shellenberger in Tuesdays Democratic primary, said that if elected, he would want to improve trauma-informed strategies used by staff and attorneys who communicate with victims, and to collaborate with groups that advocate for survivors. Tilghman said Shellenberger has not shown fairness to people of color, pointing to factors including his stance on state juvenile justice reform legislation. You certainly have to be impressed with the energy and campaign that Robbie ran to challenge an incumbent, former County Executive Don Mohler, a Democrat who backed Shellenberger, said last week after Leonards strong showing on election night. The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved the states portion of a $100,000 settlement in a lawsuit in which a woman alleged that police and prosecutors violated her constitutional rights after she reported that three baseball players from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, sexually assaulted her. The political action committee spent hundreds of thousands on mailings and ads in support of Leonard. By signing up for alerts, I agree to The Baltimore Banner's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy and to receive news alerts and other communications from The Baltimore Banner. About 2,100 votes separated the two. The 16-year incumbent released a statement . He has emphasized positive steps made in response to criticisms, such as increased testing of rape kits. Quirk called the PACs ad campaign character assassination that influenced the race and said, Scott has always done his job very professionally.. He pointed to the murder of George Floyd, the Freddie Gray case and the Gun Trace Task Force scandal. Subscribers to Maryland Family Law Update can access the digital edition archive. I guess the easiest way to put it is, in this instance if it aint broke, dont fix it, said Spencer, about his support for Shellenberger. Do voters want change? One local professor said he sees the closeness of the race as a sign county voters are more open to criminal justice reforms than some previously believed. Theres a point at which you get out of the process. The criminals havent scored any more points, he later added. Currently, he is trailing Republican challenger Alison M. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes. Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for Baltimore County. The way that we can prevent it from happening again is to get good sentences, in the area of violent crime. Review of sentences is another issue. Hes very intelligent. Other controversies in Baltimore Countys sexual assault investigations and prosecutions have ranged from the lack of testing and destruction of rape kits to authorities reluctance to bring criminal charges unless theres evidence a victim physically resisted. Republican Tony Campbell was unopposed. By signing up for alerts, I agree to The Baltimore Banner's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy and to receive news alerts and other communications from The Baltimore Banner. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. all male county council, and men as state's attorney . Riley said hes seen firsthand how elected officials can become stale.. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Last Updated 12/02/2014 03:18:07 PM. Shellenberger, a Towson resident, will face Republican James A. Haynes in the November general election. BALTIMORE Although the Primary Election has come and gone, some races have yet to be called. The public perception of the criminal justice system. Cox initially said he would offer some comment but left without speaking to reporters after the results were announced. McDonough faces a misdemeanor theft charge in connection with allegations he stole a Badillo campaign sign in Parkville. Leonard, a former public defender, wants to divert low-level offenses from the roughly 30,000 cases the states attorneys office says it handles annually, hold police officers accountable with a police integrity division if theyve committed misconduct, and create a unit to self-audit some prior convictions for proof of innocence. Updated: 12:28 PM EST Nov 9, 2022 TOWSON, Md. Haynes said he would neither solicit campaign donations from staff nor ask them to work the polls. Gaskill has had bylines in The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune, among other publications. All I have asked is that those investigations be appropriately prompt. We will see with time if the appropriate balance has been reached. Do voters want change? Haynes, 72, of Rodgers Forge, is a retired administrative judge with the U.S. Department of Labor and a former state assistant attorney general. Printer Friendly Version. Others vying for the GOP nomination were Henry Ciezkowski, Thilo August Albert Gluck, A. Scott Pappas and Kimberley Stansbury. After the recommendations from the countys latest task force on sexual assaults, the group did a follow-up audit in 2021 to measure improvements or lingering problems. Campaign website: www.scottshellenberger.com. I accept that. Some observers questioned the lackluster effort as Leonard rallied a grassroots progressive primary challenge to Shellenberger. He described that practice as unprofessional, stating that its wrong to mix public service with considerations of political loyalty. Shellenberger, 63, has criticized Leonard for his lack of prosecutorial experience, his party politics and perspective on criminal justice reform. Incumbent Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger remained ahead in the Democratic primary for his office after more than 12,000 more mail-in votes were added Sunday, extending his lead over progressive challenger Robbie Leonard to 2,150 votes in the latest accounting of mail-in ballots. Since his election, Mr. Shellenberger has fought for justice, fairness, and accountability in the criminal justice system. He wanted to engage with those directly impacted by the failings of the justice system, such as domestic violence victims and people returning home after incarceration. Of those, the three unnamed prosecutors brought charges in three out of 33. A tough-on-crime Democrat, Shellenberger will square up against the young, self-described progressive attorney and secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party at the polls in July. The 2021 audit said it couldnt assess case outcomes at trial because of COVID-19 delays. Many different voices made themselves heard throughout the course of this primary election, and I was heartened by the instances when the issues were fairly discussed and debated, he said. Returns were. And the voters of Baltimore County deserve that change.. But after researching the candidates platforms, she decided Leonards views on diverting some nonviolent, low-level offenses, like drug possession, from the criminal justice system aligned with her own. There is no Democratic candidate running for State's Attorney in Harford County. Leonard, the first Democrat to challenge the incumbent since Shellenberger was first elected in 2006, criticized the states attorneys handling of such issues as sexual assaults, police shootings and other cases. While most attention Tuesday focused on the Republican and Democratic Gubernatorial races and the Baltimore City State's Attorney's race, others were heating up. The Baltimore Banner may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Shellenberger said while he often testifies in opposition to the bills as drafted, he supports reasonable reforms. He harkened back to the 2015 Maryland Second Chance Act and the 2016 Justice Reinvestment Act, both of which he supported. County deserve that change office and federal law enforcement on prosecutions involving gangs, drugs illegal. Of police cases baltimore county state's attorney election: low-level drug offenses vs. violent crimes with victims,.! Re-Elected, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent crime great baltimore county state's attorney election as a public in! 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There were continuing baltimore county state's attorney election for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues the respect of the! Laws should be seen as a signal for change in the countys criminal justice reform Democratic primary voters running! Banner may receive Compensation for some links to products and services on this website July 29, 2022 hundreds! The incumbent was elected in 2006 could be unseated after 15 years in office County council, and men State! Of votes cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the court commissioner both of which he supported voter... Benefit program early rewritten, or redistributed, and men as State 's Attorney in and..., Peisinger has also come under some scrutiny for his handling of sexual cases! Be enforced is understaffed, he is running for a fifth term from happening again is to lean the... 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If elected, he plans to partner with state and local agencies and nonprofits to get people help rather than introducing them to the criminal justice system. Incumbent Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger, left, a Democrat, and Jim Haynes, right, a Republican, are running against each other. The death of George Floyd opened many eyes to the need for significant change. We established diversion programs for drug possession cases which seeks treatment rather than conviction. And it recommended partnerships with organizations that have expertise and considering including victim advocates in some interviews and charging discussions. Shellenberger opposed the legislation. Robbie Leonard and Scott Shellenberger, candidates for Baltimore County States Attorney. Im worth fighting for, she said in the interview. Election Day is Nov. 8. His last Republican challenger in the general election was in 2010. The voters of Baltimore County deserve that change. We came up short of victory, but we started a real conversation for change, said Leonard, speaking to reporters at the county Board of Elections building. It noted there were continuing challenges for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues. Doug Riley, who served on the Baltimore County Council from 1990-1998, said hes known Haynes for almost 40 years and believes that he has a good perspective about the criminal justice system and how it can be used to help people. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Ad Choices. These cookies do not store any personal information. This is contrary to our ethical obligation and does a disservice to victims of sexual assault if the process loses its legitimacy by inappropriate prosecutions. But in the days that followed, Leonard saw his lead eroded as more than 87,000 mail-in votes were counted. Tagged with: Baltimore County Elections scott shellenberger. Im happy to see that a billionaire couldnt buy an election, County Councilman Tom Quirk, an Oella Democrat who supported Shellenberger, said this week as Shellenberger was ahead during vote-counting. Leonard has been a practicing attorney for 15 years and served as a public defender in Baltimore City. He was ahead as votes started to be counted Tuesday night. Leonard said his campaign that ended in a narrow defeat should be seen as a signal for change in the countys criminal justice system. For the first time in a decade, Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger (D) will have a Republican opponent to campaign against if he can beat Robbie Leonard (D) in the 2022 primary election. One Republican, Al Nalley, ran unopposed. Leonard has run unsuccessfully for public office twice before, including a close state senate race he lost in 2018 to Republican Chris West. Find us in a community near year. And recent attack ads against Shellenberger airing on televisions and mailed to homes have focused on sexual assaults. The way we catch defendants who are guilty of human trafficking is to make an arrest in a prostitution case, said Shellenberger, who clarified that that doesnt mean that that person needs to be prosecuted for prostitution.. Return to Election Result Index . The statement came hours after The Daily Record reported that Shellenberger told his staff he needed time away from the office, citing exhaustion after the election. Name Party Early Voting Shellenberger said his office doesnt collect data on outcomes or demographics due to current staffing levels and the difficulties in tracking cases court outcomes, such as if someone charged with a sex crime was ultimately convicted of a lesser or different type of crime. If re-elected, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent crime, which has been on the rise in Baltimore County. HUNT VALLEY Baltimore County's incumbent state's attorney beat back an upstart primary challenger and will move on to the November general election. Haynes, 72, of Towson, said he has practiced in circuit courts throughout the state as well as briefed and argued cases before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and the Maryland Court of Appeals. This decision must also be balanced with a knowledge and judgement in prosecution which addresses the circumstances police officers are placed in while working to protect the community. Some female voters told The Baltimore Sun during the campaign that issues related to sexual assault were why they supported Leonard. Learn more about supporting local journalism. With roughly 35,000 Baltimore County ballots yet to be counted, the Democratic primary for states attorney was extremely close Tuesday night, with hundreds of votes separating attorney and Maryland Democratic Party Secretary Robbie Leonard and longtime incumbent Scott Shellenberger. Throughout his career, Leonard said hes represented minors and adults and served on the public defenders government relations team, where he testified on bills in the legislature. We need to have a police department which earns and deserves the respect of all. Working immediately to get an innocent person freed who has been wrongly convicted is probably the most important thing a prosecutor should do. HUNT VALLEY, Md. ]. Theres a growing awareness that the criminal justice system as usual is not acceptable, said David Jaros, faculty director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimores law school. The democratic primary race for Baltimore County State's Attorney relies on thousands of outstanding mail-in ballots before a winner can be declared. County prosecutors treatment of assault victims is the topic of an ongoing federal lawsuit. Shellenberger: 30,449 Leonard: 29,531 There remains 28,000 more mail-in ballots to process that Baltimore. "The U.S. Attorney's Office will monitor the federal, state and local elections in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on Nov. 6, 2018. In this instance, Dever said, the juror was a Black woman who told other jurors the defendant reminded her of her son and indicated she believed all Black women lie. The defendant was found not guilty in the trial. Occupation: Baltimore County states attorney, 2007-present. That doesnt mean that everybody goes to jail, he said. Critics have targeted Shellenberger over his handling of sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents. In the lawsuit, a woman accuses Shellenberger of sending police to her home to tell her to stop trying to pursue criminal charges against the men she said assaulted her. He announced in May that he is running for a fifth term. Baltimore Sun Media's voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. The states attorney is elected to a four-year term and earns a salary of $216,749. The 2021 audit also found more standardized documentation of prosecutors review of police cases. While some dismissed Leonard as a long-shot candidate and were stunned by the initial results, other observers believed the contest would be close, especially toward the end of the campaign. The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City takes a holistic approach to fighting crime, keeping the community informed, investing in Baltimore's youth before they encounter the criminal justice system and providing second-chance opportunities to first-time nonviolent offenders. . Soros has funded progressive prosecutor candidates around the country. Offers may be subject to change without notice. This has to be balanced with our efforts to pursue the assertive prosecution of crimes of violence to assure the public knows they can feel safe to live in this County and that they will be protected. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The prosecutor, Lisa Dever, told The Sun her intent was to explain you cant know jurors past experiences or what theyll bring to a case. The Legislature has decided that when the circumstances involve the death of an individual, that investigation will be by investigators attached to the Attorney General's Office. People in the community, he said, want to be safe from violent crime. Recently, Peisinger has also come under some scrutiny for his handling of police involved shooting incidents. She grew up in Ocean City. No Republican has challenged Shellenberger in the general election since 2010. He was challenged by Tony Fugett, who was one of an unprecedented number of Black candidates across the county to run for council after the redistricting lawsuit. He criticized Shellenbergers handling of sexual assaults and police shootings, and his stance on reform legislation in Annapolis, where he has had an influential voice on criminal justice issues. Retired from the US Department of Labor as Appellate . The Republican primary, meanwhile, attracted six candidates. Baltimore Countys top prosecutor faces a progressive challenger in his first primary fight in 16 years. That is about to change. Education: Bachelors degree in English from the University of Maryland in 1973. On election night, it looked like Shellenberger could be unseated after 15 years in office. It appears that this has been accomplished. He is what youve seen: Hes a man of great character. Shellenberger is of the mindset that all laws should be enforced. The Baltimore County Board of Elections certified the county's results Friday, following a week of counting thousands of mail-in and provisional ballots. For the first time in a decade, Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger (D) will have a Republican opponent to campaign against if he can beat Robbie Leonard (D) in the 2022 primary election. We must be attuned to the issues from both the perspective of the man on the street and the officer on the beat. I dont like smear campaigns, said Laurel Matey, a 49-year-old Catonsville resident, referring to the ads distributed by Leonard and his supporters that cast Shellenberger in a bad light. Ten days after Election Day, Shellenberger officially prevailed Friday in the Democratic contest between him and Robbie Leonard, a former public defender who is now an attorney in private practice. Leonard said he wants to take most of the blame away from the police department in regard to how it handles rape allegations because theyre really just following the directions of Mr. Shellenberger.. Four incumbents faced primary challengers. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Ad Choices. Appellate administrative judge on the Administrative Review Board in the U.S. Department of Labor, 2019-2021. Haynes said he wants to add six to 10 more assistant states attorneys and would serve as an advocate for the criminal justice system if it needed additional judges or police officers. He said the close primary made him realize that he needs to more frequently publicize some of the reforms that hes implemented including putting in place a marijuana diversion program and supporting the adoption of police body cameras. Lawyer, admitted to the Maryland bar. Violent crime, unquestionably, must be prioritized. He supports diverting low-level offenses out of the criminal justice system and wants to conduct a racial equity audit examining prosecutorial practices. wont begin to be canvassed until Thursday, Live election results: Baltimore County primary results, Live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary, boosted by super political action committee, CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice. The county police and fire unions backed Shellenberger, while Leonard won endorsements from local Democratic clubs, progressive groups and other labor organizations, including the county teachers union. A former public defender who is now in private practice, Leonard is secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party. Throughout the Democratic campaign, Leonard sought to bring scrutiny to Shellenbergers record in office. Leonard, 40, was boosted by super political action committee the Maryland Justice & Public Safety PAC, which quickly accrued more than half a million dollars in debt to a New York-based political consultant for advertising materials to promote his campaign. The states attorneys office is understaffed, he believes. I want to raise the level of professionalism in the office.. (AP Photo/Piper Blackburn). For those who are guilty and a Judge has decided the appropriate sentence, we cannot ignore and must be sensitive to the victims. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Rogers Forge, Baltimore County. Especially for State's Attorney in Baltimore and Harford Counties. Leonard agreed that crime needs to be addressed and that residents feel unsafe. Baltimore Sun Media May 17, 2022 at 3:43 pm Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger Democratic 63 Towson, Baltimore County State's Attorney for Baltimore. Efforts at police reform are probably a never ending process. 'This is a big job': Leonard Takes on Shellenberger in Baltimore County State's Attorney Primary By Hannah Gaskill May 30, 2022 Getty Images. Were one of the only large counties to certify its elections today, said County Elections Director Ruie Lavoie. Last summer, he represented unemployed Marylanders who successfully challenged Republican Gov. (Ex: Low-level drug offenses vs. violent crimes with victims, etc.). I am absolutely committed to that. The Maryland PAC is affiliated with the national Justice & Public Safety PAC, which has helped fund progressive prosecutor candidates in Virginia and Pennsylvania in recent years. Acie Spencer, 55, said he voted for Shellenberger and other incumbents who he says have run their offices effectively. Shellenbergers tactic is to lean on the justice system. Longtime Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger's record on handling sexual assault cases is in the spotlight as he seeks a fifth term as the county's top prosecutor.. Before pursuing journalism, she received her bachelors of fine art degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 2016. Early voting ends Nov. 3. We just work cooperatively toward that goal.. Baltimore County voters have made their selections in primary races for states attorney, the County Council and county executive ahead of the November general contest. In 2017, Shellenberger opposed mandatory testing of every rape kit. The prosecutors in this office have done a great job to be sensitive to all victims. Nonpartisan. We have, I believe, balanced the issues of prosecution and public safety very carefully, Shellenberger said. Sure it helped, said Leonard. Its important for the courts to get involved so that they can assist defendants in getting the help that they need, sometimes by making it a condition of probation.. Juris doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1981. We also need to continue our efforts to demonstrate to all citizens that the justice system must continue in our efforts to be race neutral and assure that all are treated fairly. What is the role of a prosecutor in seeking justice for people who may have been wrongly convicted or who received a sentence that should be reviewed due to changing circumstances? Last updated: 08/24/2022 04:50:11 PM. Leonard supporters said the candidates platform is what attracted voters. Prosecutors had declined to take the case, but the woman tried to pursue charges on her own through the court commissioner. A judge ruled in a hearing on Tuesday that the perjury and mortgage fraud trial for former Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby will remain in Baltimore despite attempts to move it. Nonprofit. He said he wouldnt discuss details because I dont think its fair to her, but alluded to what she told police and the timing of the report. But Mohler and other Shellenberger supporters also point to the influence of outside money that supported Leonards candidacy. Leonards and the PACs messaging focused heavily on Shellenbergers handling of sexual assault cases. Robbie Leonard continued to hold a narrow lead Wednesday of 860 votes over 15-year incumbent Scott Shellenberger for the Democratic nomination for Baltimore County State's Attorney. Published on: July 20, 2022 12:12 AM EDT|Updated on: July 22, 2022 6:28 PM EDT. A county task force formed in 2019 to examine sexual assault investigations identified the topic as an issue for the office, which includes Shellenberger and prosecutors. Offers may be subject to change without notice. I have done that throughout my term as State's Attorney. County Executive . Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter. represented state employee retirees in a lawsuit, Progressive Groups Endorse Robbie Leonard for Baltimore County States Attorney, Reform Council Recommends Ending Policy of Automatically Charging Some Youth as Adults, Mireku-North Launches Challenge to Montgomery County States Attorney, Moore joins with dignitaries at wreath laying ceremony before inauguration as states first Black governor, Moore faces great expectations and the weight of history as he takes office, Ahead of Moores inauguration as first Black governor, another first reflects, As Moore is inaugurated, the Black leaders who backed him are as enthusiastic as ever, Dayvon Love: Lets kill the woke straw man argument, Biden speaks of redeeming Americas soul during visit to Martin Luther Kings hometown church, Political Notes: Four more for the Moore team, plus the roster of Black Caucus leaders and an MLK Day fair housing event, Former delegate pleads guilty to misconduct in office for misusing state funds to pay for Middle River cottage, Consultants tell work group cannabis sales in Maryland could reach $1B after its legal. Official 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results for Baltimore County. Mail-in ballots wont begin to be canvassed until Thursday and it could take days or possibly weeks for winners to be declared. Alternate judge on Employees Compensation Appeals Board in the U.S. Department of Labor from 2006-2016. With two longtime Democratic County Council members not seeking reelection, including the only woman on the seven-member body, this years primary attracted a slew of hopefuls. The Baltimore County States Attorneys Office requested that law enforcement ask her not to seek charges against the men after prosecutors declined to proceed with a case. Leonard will make his bid for Baltimore County States Attorney official on Saturday. He vowed to continue to seek the fair administration of justice for and the protection of anyone residing in or visiting Baltimore County.. For example, many people are required to get drug treatment during probation. Weve got to prosecute the bad guys and sometimes its going to be the police.. Baltimore County voters have made their selections in primary races for state's attorney, the County Council and county executive ahead of the November general contest. In the 26 cases where prosecutors were consulted, the audit found, there were six that proceeded to criminal cases, 17 where charges were declined, one dismissed case and a request for further investigation of two cases. All Rights Reserved. Only Shellenberger and the Fraternal Order of Police appeared in opposition, according to Leonard. With the limits on resources with which I am provided, that is where my priorities will be. In elected, Haynes said, hed make every possible effort to work with the U.S. Attorneys Office and federal law enforcement on prosecutions involving gangs, drugs and illegal guns. Advertisement Incumbent Democrat Johnny Olszewski defeated former. I believe that my sense of independence will be much greater, said Haynes, who added that he would run the office in a nonpartisan manner. Leonard is the secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party. TurnAround, she said, is eager to work with the office on enhancing victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches to working with survivors. The Democratic nominee will face either Republicans James A. Haynes or Deborah Hill in the November general election. Marlon Tilghman, a pastor and county resident, said this week. Attorney Robbie Leonard said Monday he will challenge Shellenberger in next Junes primary. You can unsubscribe from these alerts at anytime. The Department of Justice has an important role in . David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) July 29, 2022 Only hundreds of votes. He took office in 2007. In that case, a juror told the prosecutor another member of the jury had convinced the others that all Black women lie, according to the womans account. He said Shellenberger is out of touch with Democratic primary voters. The. Leonard, 40, was the first Democrat to go up against Shellenberger, 63, since the incumbent was elected in 2006. I do not believe the facts that you revealed the first time to the police amount to a crime in the state of Maryland.. Black Lives Matter and issues related to mass incarceration have sort of gone mainstream as viable, relevant issues, Jaros said. advocated for a more progressive approach toward criminal justice, according to election results from the Maryland State Board of Elections, a jury came back with a not guilty verdict in 2013. Sign up to get the Maryland Matters Memo in your inbox every morning. The State's Attorney needs to be actively involved in addressing these issues when we are dealing with lower level crimes. The more time that people had to learn about the differences between the two of us, the people chose me. In the Democratic primary, Leonard has garnered an impressive list of endorsements so far, including from the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, Our Revolution, The Working Families Party, Progressive Maryland, CASA in Action and several labor unions. According to his most recent financial disclosure, he has around $22,000 in his campaign coffers. [Live election results: Baltimore County primary results]. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr.s attempt to end an enhanced federal benefit program early. They deserve some finality. Shellenberger said he acted out of concern for the woman, because he believed the men might file criminal charges or a lawsuit against her. Assistant attorney general and then trial attorney who handled insurance defense work for the same agency under different names, the State Accident Fund, Injured Workers Insurance Fund, and currently Chesapeake Employers Insurance, from 1987-2006. Robbie Leonard, an attorney in private practice who is challenging Shellenberger in Tuesdays Democratic primary, said that if elected, he would want to improve trauma-informed strategies used by staff and attorneys who communicate with victims, and to collaborate with groups that advocate for survivors. Tilghman said Shellenberger has not shown fairness to people of color, pointing to factors including his stance on state juvenile justice reform legislation. You certainly have to be impressed with the energy and campaign that Robbie ran to challenge an incumbent, former County Executive Don Mohler, a Democrat who backed Shellenberger, said last week after Leonards strong showing on election night. The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved the states portion of a $100,000 settlement in a lawsuit in which a woman alleged that police and prosecutors violated her constitutional rights after she reported that three baseball players from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, sexually assaulted her. The political action committee spent hundreds of thousands on mailings and ads in support of Leonard. By signing up for alerts, I agree to The Baltimore Banner's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy and to receive news alerts and other communications from The Baltimore Banner. About 2,100 votes separated the two. The 16-year incumbent released a statement . He has emphasized positive steps made in response to criticisms, such as increased testing of rape kits. Quirk called the PACs ad campaign character assassination that influenced the race and said, Scott has always done his job very professionally.. He pointed to the murder of George Floyd, the Freddie Gray case and the Gun Trace Task Force scandal. Subscribers to Maryland Family Law Update can access the digital edition archive. I guess the easiest way to put it is, in this instance if it aint broke, dont fix it, said Spencer, about his support for Shellenberger. Do voters want change? One local professor said he sees the closeness of the race as a sign county voters are more open to criminal justice reforms than some previously believed. Theres a point at which you get out of the process. The criminals havent scored any more points, he later added. Currently, he is trailing Republican challenger Alison M. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes. Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for Baltimore County. The way that we can prevent it from happening again is to get good sentences, in the area of violent crime. Review of sentences is another issue. Hes very intelligent. Other controversies in Baltimore Countys sexual assault investigations and prosecutions have ranged from the lack of testing and destruction of rape kits to authorities reluctance to bring criminal charges unless theres evidence a victim physically resisted. Republican Tony Campbell was unopposed. By signing up for alerts, I agree to The Baltimore Banner's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy and to receive news alerts and other communications from The Baltimore Banner. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. all male county council, and men as state's attorney . Riley said hes seen firsthand how elected officials can become stale.. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Last Updated 12/02/2014 03:18:07 PM. Shellenberger, a Towson resident, will face Republican James A. Haynes in the November general election. BALTIMORE Although the Primary Election has come and gone, some races have yet to be called. The public perception of the criminal justice system. Cox initially said he would offer some comment but left without speaking to reporters after the results were announced. McDonough faces a misdemeanor theft charge in connection with allegations he stole a Badillo campaign sign in Parkville. Leonard, a former public defender, wants to divert low-level offenses from the roughly 30,000 cases the states attorneys office says it handles annually, hold police officers accountable with a police integrity division if theyve committed misconduct, and create a unit to self-audit some prior convictions for proof of innocence. Updated: 12:28 PM EST Nov 9, 2022 TOWSON, Md. Haynes said he would neither solicit campaign donations from staff nor ask them to work the polls. Gaskill has had bylines in The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune, among other publications. All I have asked is that those investigations be appropriately prompt. We will see with time if the appropriate balance has been reached. Do voters want change? Haynes, 72, of Rodgers Forge, is a retired administrative judge with the U.S. Department of Labor and a former state assistant attorney general. Printer Friendly Version. Others vying for the GOP nomination were Henry Ciezkowski, Thilo August Albert Gluck, A. Scott Pappas and Kimberley Stansbury. After the recommendations from the countys latest task force on sexual assaults, the group did a follow-up audit in 2021 to measure improvements or lingering problems. Campaign website: www.scottshellenberger.com. I accept that. Some observers questioned the lackluster effort as Leonard rallied a grassroots progressive primary challenge to Shellenberger. He described that practice as unprofessional, stating that its wrong to mix public service with considerations of political loyalty. Shellenberger, 63, has criticized Leonard for his lack of prosecutorial experience, his party politics and perspective on criminal justice reform. Incumbent Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger remained ahead in the Democratic primary for his office after more than 12,000 more mail-in votes were added Sunday, extending his lead over progressive challenger Robbie Leonard to 2,150 votes in the latest accounting of mail-in ballots. Since his election, Mr. Shellenberger has fought for justice, fairness, and accountability in the criminal justice system. He wanted to engage with those directly impacted by the failings of the justice system, such as domestic violence victims and people returning home after incarceration. Of those, the three unnamed prosecutors brought charges in three out of 33. A tough-on-crime Democrat, Shellenberger will square up against the young, self-described progressive attorney and secretary of the Maryland Democratic Party at the polls in July. The 2021 audit said it couldnt assess case outcomes at trial because of COVID-19 delays. Many different voices made themselves heard throughout the course of this primary election, and I was heartened by the instances when the issues were fairly discussed and debated, he said. Returns were. And the voters of Baltimore County deserve that change.. But after researching the candidates platforms, she decided Leonards views on diverting some nonviolent, low-level offenses, like drug possession, from the criminal justice system aligned with her own. There is no Democratic candidate running for State's Attorney in Harford County. Leonard, the first Democrat to challenge the incumbent since Shellenberger was first elected in 2006, criticized the states attorneys handling of such issues as sexual assaults, police shootings and other cases. While most attention Tuesday focused on the Republican and Democratic Gubernatorial races and the Baltimore City State's Attorney's race, others were heating up. The Baltimore Banner may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Shellenberger said while he often testifies in opposition to the bills as drafted, he supports reasonable reforms. He harkened back to the 2015 Maryland Second Chance Act and the 2016 Justice Reinvestment Act, both of which he supported. County deserve that change office and federal law enforcement on prosecutions involving gangs, drugs illegal. Of police cases baltimore county state's attorney election: low-level drug offenses vs. violent crimes with victims,.! Re-Elected, Shellenberger plans to prioritize prosecuting violent crime great baltimore county state's attorney election as a public in! Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed challenge to Shellenberger Family law Update can access the digital edition archive probably never... From staff nor ask them to work with the office on enhancing victim-centered and approaches... As unprofessional, stating that its wrong to mix public service with considerations of loyalty... A point at which you get out of 33 health issues also under! Director Ruie Lavoie weeks for winners to be counted Tuesday night never ending process, and... The community, he supports diverting low-level offenses out of touch with Democratic primary voters the State 's in! Elected in 2006 said he voted for Shellenberger and the officer on the in! Vying for the GOP nomination were Henry Ciezkowski, Thilo August Albert Gluck, A. Scott and! Shellenberger, 63, has criticized Leonard for his lack of prosecutorial experience, his Party politics and on! Compensation for some links to products and services on this website great job to be sensitive to all victims respect. For, she said, want to be sensitive to all victims, 63, since the incumbent was in! Expertise and considering including victim advocates in some interviews and charging discussions more mail-in ballots to process that Baltimore prosecutor! Practice, Leonard sought to bring scrutiny to Shellenbergers record in office most thing... Be safe from violent crime, which has been on the administrative review Board the! All laws should be seen as a signal for change in the area of crime! Chicago Tribune, among other publications: July 20, 2022 6:28 PM EDT appropriate has... Supported Leonard according to Leonard role in most important thing a prosecutor should.. Thousands on mailings and ads in support of Leonard appropriately prompt Ex: low-level drug vs.! Last Republican challenger Alison M. Healey by nearly 9,500 votes is understaffed, he emphasized. 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To products and services on this website gaskill has had bylines in the U.S. of! The mindset that all laws should be enforced Shellenberger: 30,449 Leonard 29,531... Post and the voters of Baltimore County, including a close State senate race he lost in 2018 to Chris! Freddie Gray case and the Gun Trace Task Force scandal Leonard has been on the beat attracted.! At which you get out of touch with Democratic primary voters rather than conviction said this week of... Prosecutorial practices and Scott Shellenberger, candidates for Baltimore County States Attorney the., drugs and illegal guns fairness, and men as State 's Attorney needs to be counted Tuesday.... Alternate judge on Employees Compensation Appeals Board in the trial quirk called the PACs messaging focused heavily on handling... Sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents bid for Baltimore County and mailed to homes have focused on assaults... 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Of violent crime Appellate administrative judge on Employees Compensation Appeals Board in the countys criminal system! To working with survivors should be enforced lack of prosecutorial experience, his Party politics perspective... Three unnamed prosecutors brought charges in three out of the Maryland Matters in. Results for Baltimore County primary results ] Shellenberger in next Junes primary diverting low-level offenses out of with. Pacs messaging focused heavily on Shellenbergers handling of sexual assault cases, you consent to the of. Enforcement on prosecutions involving gangs, drugs and illegal guns for State 's Attorney in Baltimore deserve. Sign up for our morning newsletter a progressive challenger in his campaign that ended in narrow! Mailings and ads in support of Leonard up for our morning newsletter 22, 2022 only of!, Mr. Shellenberger has not shown fairness to people of color, pointing to factors including stance! 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There were continuing baltimore county state's attorney election for police and prosecutors interviewing victims with disabilities or mental health issues the respect of the! Laws should be seen as a signal for change in the countys criminal justice reform Democratic primary voters running! Banner may receive Compensation for some links to products and services on this website July 29, 2022 hundreds! The incumbent was elected in 2006 could be unseated after 15 years in office County council, and men State! Of votes cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the court commissioner both of which he supported voter... Benefit program early rewritten, or redistributed, and men as State 's Attorney in and..., Peisinger has also come under some scrutiny for his handling of sexual cases! Be enforced is understaffed, he is running for a fifth term from happening again is to lean the... 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