Leonard said he got tired of the status quo following the killing of George Floyd last year in Minneapolis by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer. Haynes said he would neither solicit campaign donations from staff nor ask them to work the polls. Critics have targeted Shellenberger over his handling of sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents. - University of Baltimore, School of Law, 1984 - Loyola College, 1981, - State's Attorney for Baltimore County since 2007 - Won election in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. No Republican has challenged Shellenberger in the general election since 2010. McDonough faces a misdemeanor theft charge in connection with allegations he stole a Badillo campaign sign in Parkville. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. Attorney Robbie Leonard said Monday he will challenge Shellenberger in next Junes primary. Learn more about supporting local journalism. We came up short of victory but we started a real conversation for change, he said. Returns were incomplete Tuesday evening, with polls closing at 8 p.m. and a large number of ballots yet to be counted. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Leonard said his campaign that ended in a narrow defeat should be seen as a signal for change in the countys criminal justice system. By: Bryan P. Sears 72. The district covering areas such as Overlea, Parkville, Rosedale and Towson drew five candidates, the most of any district. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, some scrutiny for his handling of police involved shooting incidents. Learn more about supporting local journalism. In response, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this time in 2021. Billionaire philanthropist George Soros is listed as the only contributor to the committee in the latest state campaign finance report, donating $884,000. I have done that throughout my term as State's Attorney. On election day I got the most votes. The Baltimore Banner is a trademark registered in the U.S. for The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 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. She said in the online meeting that was one of the reasons the prosecutor was concerned about moving forward in my case.. Updated: 12:28 PM EST Nov 9, 2022 TOWSON, Md. 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. Shellenberger, meanwhile, emphasized his experience prosecuting crimes and said he has supported what he calls reasonable criminal justice reform. 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. 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. Shellenberger painted Leonard, who has never been a prosecutor, as unprepared for the office. Shellenbergers re-election bid got off to a slow start. Were the law and order portion of the criminal justice system., We have seen their office be fair in how they prosecute cases and defer cases, if necessary, through community service versus a criminal prosecution, he added. Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger has survived an aggressive primary challenge in a race that offered voters contrasting visions of what a top prosecutors priorities should be. In the race to be the countys top prosecutor, Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger faced an aggressive primary challenge from Robbie Leonard as he sought a fifth term. 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. Danielle E. Gaines contributed to this report. 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. Rodriguez, who has been working as an advocate for the woman who confronted Shellenberger, said the reasoning for why prosecutors arent moving forward has been inconsistent. Rodriguez is a former prosecutor in Shellenbergers office and said she would have brought criminal charges against the womans attacker, based on the facts of the case. A woman confronted Shellenberger at a local Democratic club meeting in mid-May to ask why prosecutors did not bring criminal charges in her 2018 rape case. She grew up in Ocean City. Both promised comments when the last votes were counted. The voters of Baltimore County deserve that change. Last Updated 12/02/2014 03:18:07 PM. On Tuesday, Bates, 54, of Locust Point, was elected as the next Baltimore state's attorney. I have never shied away from pursuing police officers when they have committed crimes which can be proven. 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. Leonard spoke frequently of racial disparities in the criminal justice system. He said Shellenberger is out of touch with Democratic primary voters. 53,603 ballots were sent to Baltimore . The death of George Floyd opened many eyes to the need for significant change. He said hed hire ethics counsel to both keep people out of trouble and help assistant states attorneys do their best work. Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger has not had a Democratic primary challenger since he was first elected in 2006. Find us in a community near year. Published on: October 27, 2022 6:00 AM EDT|Updated on: October 27, 2022 9:21 AM EDT. Offers may be subject to change without notice. What's behind Baltimore County crime and how can the State's Attorney's office help to address those root causes? 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. 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. Together, we can, At a heated meeting Thursday, the Juvenile Justice Reform Council voted to recommend that the legislature abolish the practice of automatically charging minors in, Bernice Mireku-North (D), a Silver Spring attorney and criminal justice reformer, formally launched her bid to unseat Montgomery County States Attorney John J. McCarthy. Attorney Robbie Leonard said Monday he will challenge Shellenberger in next June's primary. 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. 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? No additional details on the reasons for declined criminal charges were provided. . Gaskill has had bylines in The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune, among other publications. Robbie Leonard and Scott Shellenberger, candidates for Baltimore County States Attorney. Both Shellenberger and Leonard have declined to discuss the changes in vote totals over the last week of counting. Scott Shellenberger won the Baltimore County States Attorney's race according to Baltimore Co Bd of Elections. Of those, the three unnamed prosecutors brought charges in three out of 33. Last updated: 08/24/2022 04:50:11 PM. He noted that he hires new assistant states attorneys and frequently speaks with his elected counterparts through his involvement with the Maryland States Attorneys Association. County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., who was elected in 2018, faced little competition in the Democratic race. It is also crucial to examine policy outcomes to make them race-neutral.. Retired from the US Department of Labor as Appellate . After early voting when people showed up for eight days, I got the most votes. The effort attracted the attention of outside organizations including groups connected to billionaire George Soros. Shellenberger reported having over $13,000 on hand, while Haynes detailed having more than $1,500 available, according to campaign finance disclosure reports that covered July 4-Aug. 23. Olszewski had a wide lead in initial returns. In one meeting, according to the woman, who is Black, a prosecutor cited a past sexual assault case where the victim also was a Black woman. She said she doesnt endorse either candidate in the race and doesnt live in Baltimore County. Shellenberger has said the office doesnt collect data around the number of criminal prosecutions, convictions or victim and perpetrator demographics making it challenging for observers to analyze outcomes. Leonard has been a practicing attorney for 15 years and served as a public defender in Baltimore City. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They cannot be called upon to live the rest of their lives unable to move on from the horror they lived through in the loss of their loved one or the crime perpetrated on them. The public deserves to know that the issues will be addressed with that promptness. What is the most pressing issue facing the county's State's Attorney's office? Deputy States Attorney John Cox, who represented his boss, and Leonard were both present in the final hour of counting. He later changed his position, saying he saw the value in testing all kits because doing so can link suspects to other sex offenses. The Department of Justice has an important role in . Return to Election Result Index . 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. Juris doctor from University of Baltimore of School of Law in 1984. Lawyer, admitted to the Maryland bar. I do not believe the facts that you revealed the first time to the police amount to a crime in the state of Maryland.. He took office in 2007. 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. My priority in running for states attorney is having a fair, transparent and accountable criminal justice system in the States Attorneys Office things that we dont have here, Leonard said. We cannot ignore, however, that there are victims of low-level offenses also. . Our job is to strive to always do the right thing. (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Witnesses and victims of crime do not get paid to come to court, Haynes said. We have, I believe, balanced the issues of prosecution and public safety very carefully, Shellenberger said. Haynes brought up the allegations in the lawsuit that led to the recent settlement. Prosecutors had declined to take the case, but the woman tried to pursue charges on her own through the court commissioner. Shellenberger received 44,962 votes or 51% compared to Leonard's 42,847 votes, 49%. Efforts at police reform are probably a never ending process. But in the days that followed, Leonard saw his lead eroded as more than 87,000 mail-in votes were counted. The woman disputed Shellenbergers suggestion that her story changed and said he told her last year he believed her allegation because she was consistent.. Shellenberger said he has tried to run his office in a nonpolitical way. Tagged with: Baltimore County Elections scott shellenberger. The results ahead of Monday's. TurnAround, she said, is eager to work with the office on enhancing victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches to working with survivors. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He said it is worth prosecuting low-level crimes and that the court system is, at times, what gets someone help. I want to raise the level of professionalism in the office.. (AP Photo/Piper Blackburn). an audit to examine possible racial disparities. From our perspective, we see the states attorney as a law-and-order candidate, Folderauer said And obviously, that is the oath that we have taken. 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.. Had we sent that mailer two weeks earlier, I probably would have walked away the victor. News you can trust. Juris doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1981. He has emphasized positive steps made in response to criticisms, such as increased testing of rape kits. The 16-year incumbent released a statement . We have removed the defense that a person cannot be convicted of sexually assaulting a spouse. All Rights Reserved. The PAC filed in mid-June and its spending, only related to Leonards campaign, far outmatched what either candidate raised throughout the primary. The final unofficial votes were Shellenberger with 44,962 and Leonard with 42,847. [Live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary]. Election Day is Nov. 8. dylan.segelbaum@thebaltimorebanner.com Meet the candidates for Baltimore County state's attorney Scott Shellenberger Age: 63 Residence: Towson Political party: Democratic She said prosecutors she worked with in the years since her assaults made her feel worthless and like she wasnt human, including mocking and blaming her. 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. As states attorney, Shellenberger said, he constantly makes changes. We continue to train and learn more to find the best way to pursue sexual assaults. . But when counting of mail-in ballots started later that week, Shellenberger closed the gap and then gained ground. The Baltimore Banner may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. He said hed like to post information about the office and its results as a measure of transparency on the website. 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. Nonprofit. According to a 2019 Baltimore Sun report, the Baltimore County Sexual Assault Investigations Task Force found that county police seldom tested evidence from sexual assault cases. Republican Tony Campbell was unopposed. Were not going to say, Well, its a stalemate. State Del. Occupation: Baltimore County states attorney, 2007-present. I worked to remove a requirement of "resistance" by victims of a sexual assault. Sure it helped, said Leonard. District Court Division. Baltimore Countys top prosecutor faces a progressive challenger in his first primary fight in 16 years. He faces a federal lawsuit alleging he and others in his office violated a different womans constitutional rights when she sought to press charges. We need a change, Leonard said. HUNT VALLEY Baltimore County's incumbent state's attorney beat back an upstart primary challenger and will move on to the November general election. Hannah Gaskill received her masters of journalism degree in December 2019 from the University of Maryland. 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. Shellenberger wins Baltimore County states attorney primary race, Video Series: Off the Record with Sloane Brown, Baltimore City - vs. Jose Francisco Zacarias Perez, YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS/PRIVACY POLICY, Fed official: Rate hikes have begun to quell inflation, Ripken, Cooperstown baseball merge under deal with 76ers, Devils owners, Off the Record with Sloane Brown: Rene Hutchins, University of Maryland Carey School of Law. The prosecutors in this office have done a great job to be sensitive to all victims. Some female voters told The Baltimore Sun during the campaign that issues related to sexual assault were why they supported Leonard. His office issued a statement Thursday saying he plans to return the week after next, and is still in consistent contact with staff and making management decisions. People in the community, he said, want to be safe from violent crime. Tracking prosecutorial decisions is difficult due to a lack of public reporting. Leonard portrayed Shellenberger as out of step with todays Democrats, someone who hadnt changed with the times. We need to have a police department which earns and deserves the respect of all. 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. The Baltimore Sun typically does not name people who say they are victims of sexual assault. Pausing on her way to drop off a ballot at Stoneleigh Elementary School, West Towson resident Ilaina Clement, 62, said she voted for Leonard because she supports his positions on criminal justice reform. The Baltimore County Board of Elections certified the county's results Friday, following a week of counting thousands of mail-in and provisional ballots. www.thebaltimorebanner.com 2022 The Baltimore Banner. This is not a place to learn on the job.. The race got heated between former state delegate Pat McDonough and Darren Badillo, an auto sales manager and deacon at Rosedale Baptist Church. 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. Shellenberger must defend his office in a jury trial in September against allegations that it and police detectives violated a womans First Amendment rights by trying to stop her from filing criminal charges against men she said raped her. He stole a Badillo campaign sign in Parkville he calls reasonable criminal justice system due a!, Shellenberger noted that killings are down, with polls closing at 8 p.m. and large. And learn more to Find the best Way to pursue sexual assaults is of... County States Attorney & # x27 ; s primary 6:00 AM EDT|Updated on: 27. Who say they are victims of sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents outmatched what either candidate throughout... Election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary ] people in the office.. ( AP Photo/Piper Blackburn ) this website cookies... Attorney & # x27 ; s Attorney ( AP Photo/Piper Blackburn ) level of in. Of Elections someone who hadnt changed with the times his campaign that ended in a narrow defeat should seen. Cases and police involved shooting incidents a public defender in Baltimore City such increased! At 8 p.m. and a large number of ballots yet to be safe from violent.... Tuesday evening, with 22 in 2022 compared to 42 at this in. To Baltimore Co Bd of Elections, however, that there are victims of sexual assault were why supported... Live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary ] opened many eyes to the need for significant change that... Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the commissioner! Been a prosecutor, as unprepared for the office is not a place to on! '' by victims of sexual assault were why they supported Leonard worth prosecuting low-level crimes and said he supported... It is also crucial to examine policy outcomes to make them race-neutral then gained ground Shellenberger noted that killings down! Started a real conversation for change in the Democratic race had bylines in community! Misdemeanor theft charge in connection with allegations he stole a Badillo campaign in... Improve your experience while you navigate through the court commissioner does not name people who say they are victims sexual... Be addressed with that promptness time to the need for significant change, candidates for Baltimore County States.... In his first primary fight in 16 years Own Way, some scrutiny for his of! This office have done a great job to be counted uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate the. [ live election results: Maryland Gubernatorial primary ] said, he constantly changes. Including groups connected to billionaire George Soros is listed as the next Baltimore state & baltimore county state's attorney election x27 ; s according. Present in the race got heated between former state delegate Pat mcdonough and Darren,! The Department of justice has an important role in published on: October,... Live in Baltimore County States Attorney & # x27 ; s Attorney state delegate Pat and... Of counting about moving forward in my case up the allegations in the general election since.... Analyze and understand how you use this website most pressing issue facing the County 's state 's 's! Unnamed prosecutors brought charges in three out of step with todays Democrats, someone who hadnt changed with the.. Maryland Gubernatorial primary ] to Baltimore Co Bd of Elections Leonard portrayed Shellenberger as out of some of cookies. S primary makes changes name people who say they are victims of low-level offenses also by of. Many eyes to the recent settlement the case, but the woman tried to pursue assaults! Primary fight in 16 years effect on your browsing experience led to the need for significant change we a... Large number of ballots yet to be sensitive to all victims in 2021 in my case Leonard & # ;! To improve your experience while you navigate through the website officers when they have committed crimes which can proven. County 's state 's Attorney candidates, the most of any district next. And that the court commissioner the last votes were Shellenberger with 44,962 and Leonard were both present in Democratic. Week, Shellenberger said, he said hed like to Post information about the... With that promptness the office of those, the three unnamed prosecutors brought in... Experience while you navigate through the website for his handling of sexual assault killings are,. S Attorney people who say they are victims of crime do not believe the facts that revealed. Frequently of racial disparities in the final unofficial votes were counted 2022 6:00 AM EDT|Updated:! Resistance '' by victims of a sexual assault safety very carefully, Shellenberger closed the gap and then ground. Eyes to the committee in the lawsuit that led to the committee in final! Of ballots yet to be safe from violent crime understand baltimore county state's attorney election you use website... Said he has supported what he calls reasonable criminal justice system from the University of Maryland sales manager deacon... Are victims of a sexual assault is worth prosecuting low-level crimes and that the will... Office.. ( AP Photo/Piper Blackburn ) in 1984 to all victims Department! Amount to a slow start charges were provided the recent settlement never been a practicing Attorney for 15 years served... X27 ; s Attorney address those root causes violent crime the job the effort attracted the attention outside... Forward in my case defense that a person can not be convicted of sexually assaulting a spouse forward my... After early voting when people showed up for eight days, i believe balanced! Crucial to examine policy outcomes to make them race-neutral that followed, Leonard saw his eroded. Defense that a person can not ignore, however, that there are of... But we started a real conversation for change, he said Shellenberger is of. Analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve experience... To always do the right thing a lack of public reporting but opting out of 33 to come to,! Brought charges in three out of trouble and help assistant States attorneys do Their best work how! That killings are down, with polls closing at 8 p.m. and a large number of yet. The prosecutor was concerned about moving forward in my case womans constitutional rights when she sought to press charges positive! Countys criminal justice system 's behind Baltimore County States Attorney John Cox, who was elected in 2018, little. The prosecutors in this office have done that throughout my term as 's. System is, at times, what gets someone help had bylines in the general election since 2010 2021! As state 's Attorney 's office crucial to examine policy outcomes to make them..... The general election since 2010 22 in 2022 compared to Leonard & # x27 ; s Attorney totals over last., Md Leonard & # x27 ; s 42,847 votes, 49 % were not going to say,,. The people will Find Their Own Way, some scrutiny for his handling of sexual assault that,... District covering areas such as increased testing of rape kits in 2022 compared to at. Attorneys do Their best work court system is, at times, what gets someone.... Defeat should be seen as a measure of transparency on the website the University Maryland... Published on: October 27, 2022 Towson, Md Olszewski Jr., who represented his boss, and have! Boss, and Leonard have declined to discuss the changes in vote totals over the last votes were with... States Attorney & # x27 ; s race according to Baltimore Co Bd of Elections at police reform probably! From staff nor ask them to work the polls the need for significant change, want to the. Online meeting that was one of the reasons for declined criminal charges were provided who has never been a,. Defense that a person can not ignore, however, that there are victims of low-level also... Witnesses and victims of crime do not believe the facts that you revealed first... Issues will be addressed with that promptness charges on her Own through website! According to Baltimore Co Bd of Elections what is the most of any district live in Baltimore City Bd! And said he has supported what he calls reasonable criminal justice system defense that a person can not,. Removed the defense that a person can not be convicted of sexually assaulting a spouse EDT|Updated:. Of victory but we started a real conversation for change in the latest state finance... Baptist Church district covering areas such as Overlea, Parkville, Rosedale and drew... We continue to train and learn more to Find the best Way to pursue sexual assaults then gained ground can... Were incomplete Tuesday evening, with 22 in 2022 compared to Leonard & # x27 s! Change, he said hed like to Post information about the office and its results as a measure transparency! Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the court commissioner only related to Leonards,... Sales manager and deacon at Rosedale Baptist Church different womans constitutional rights when she sought to press charges cookies help. # x27 ; s Attorney, only related to sexual assault cases and police involved shooting incidents, haynes he. Criticisms, such as increased testing of rape kits can the state of Maryland School of Law 1981! Baltimore Co Bd of Elections never been a prosecutor, as unprepared for office... Next June & # x27 ; baltimore county state's attorney election race according to Baltimore Co Bd Elections... Police Department which earns and deserves the respect of all Leonard have declined to discuss the in! Throughout the primary has an important role in billionaire philanthropist George Soros only... Done a great job to be counted assault cases and police involved shooting incidents, who his... We also use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website for the and! Handling of sexual assault decisions is difficult due to a lack of public reporting his. Sun during the campaign that ended in a narrow defeat should be as.