2021: A Year in Review

Office of the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County

https://www.aacounty.org/news-and-events/news/leader-of-white-supremacist-gang-receivesmaximum-sentence-in--orchestrating-the-death-of-fellow-prisoner

Anne Colt Leitess

State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County

Greetings!

2021 was definitely a year of challenges for all of us.

As a nation, we thought we were returning to a sense of normalcy mid 2021 but COVID-19 continues to impact our daily routines as we ended the year. I’m proud to say that the Office of the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County rose to the occasion and worked diligently whether remotely, in person, or during the extremely busy time when jury trials resumed. Making up for lost time, there were days when we had multiple jury trials going all at once and there was not a minute to rest. Our Circuit Court team managed many court appearances such as bail reviews, status conferences, guilty pleas and sentencings, violation of probation hearings, drug court review hearings, juvenile detention hearings, grand jury and other emergency matters during the height of the pandemic with remote court hearings. At the same time, we remained available and responsive to assist opposing counsel, the court and most importantly, the many witnesses and victims who depend on us to effectively prosecute cases.

Once we were back trying jury trials, we did it in record numbers and with great success.

Although at times the number of cases was staggering to manage, we are now the only county in the State of Maryland that has no criminal case backlog in the Circuit Court. While our District Court offices were able to handle many hearings remotely as well, they had daily in–person court with incarcerated defendants, domestic violence matters, assault cases and DUIs. They didn’t get much of a break from appearing in court and they soldiered through. I thank them for their hard work during this challenging time of heavy dockets, social distancing, and mask-wearing.

It was no easy feat to pull off for any of us and I’m truly proud of the office’s commitment and teamwork. What a relief it was when we were able to get vaccinated as a priority group in the late winter and early spring of this year.

In this 2021: A Year in Review, we take a moment to highlight some of the memorable cases and contributions our office made to the Anne Arundel County community. Starting with the first jury trial in May where a Baltimore man was found guilty of first degree murder to the five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole in the Capital Gazette shooting case and beyond.

It’s truly an honor to serve as the State’s Attorney for a dynamic team that is committed to serving the community, treating the accused fairly and justly and seeking justice for victims of crime.

I wish everyone a safe and prosperous 2022!

Anne

Anne Colt Leitess State’s Attorney

Statement from State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess on the Sentencing in the Capital Gazette Shooting Case: Today, justice was served for the Capital Gazette attack.

Jarrod Ramos was sentenced to five life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus a life sentence and an additional 345 years for the murders of John McNamara, Rob Hiaasen, Gerald Fischman, Wendi Winters and Rebecca Smith – and for the attempted murder and first degree assaults of survivors, Paul Gillespie, Janel Cooley, Phil Davis, Selene San Felece, Anthony Messenger and Rachael Pacella.

For the victims’ families and survivors, this day was a long time coming and closes what I hope will be the final legal chapter on a case that impacted the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County community and beyond.

But, I know the healing for all will continue and many will struggle to move forward.

As the State’s Attorney, being able to prosecute this case - alongside my co-counsel - is without a doubt one of my greatest privileges in serving the community.

The responsibility was not one that I took lightly and I thank everyone who entrusted me and the Office of the State’s Attorney in securing justice on your behalf.

Listening to the victim impact statements delivered in court and reading letters from the friends and family of the victims and survivors, was a powerful reminder that we cannot take for granted that we will have one more day to share with our loved ones. Today is the day to tell them and show them that you love them.

I would like to thank my co-counsel, David Russell, and James Tuomey for their contributions to this case as well as the staff at the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney's Office, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Department, Annapolis Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Dr. Gregory Saathoff from the University of Va. and Dr. Sameer Patel from the Maryland Department of Health for their professionalism and dedication to their work. Without dedicated public servants doing their very best, I would not be able to do my job well.

The heroes in this tragic case will live on in our hearts and will not be forgotten as long as we continue to share their story and honor their legacy.

IN THE COMMUNITY I

The Office of the State’s Attorney remains committed to community outreach. We facilitate school and community presentations on crime prevention, meet our county’s residents at National Night Out and testify before our legislature for laws that keep our streets safe. We are dedicated to serving the Anne Arundel County community.

Expungement clinic with Legal Aid and Maryland Rentry at Brooklyn Park library

IN THE COMMUNITY I

We don’t just prosecute crime, we also help our legislators pass effective laws that protect the community. The Office of the State’s Attorney even has a legislative liaison to work with our elected representatives to ensure that proposed laws are fair, just and cover important issues of crime and justice.

Anne Arundel County Legislative Committee

School and Community Presentations by State’s Attorney and Deputy State’s Attorney

National Night Out

IN THE COMMUNITY

Annapolis Recovery Walk

Whether its joining in a Recovery Walk to support substance abuse treatment or riding the Lifeline 100 to benefit crisis intervention. the Office of the State’s Attorney is active in supporting the good works of others in many ways.

We even give blood!

Wendi Winters Memorial Blood Drive

Halloween Trunk or Treat

Lifeline 100 Bike Ride benefit

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE Baltimore Man Receives 50 Years for Attempted First Degree Murder

Andy Reyes, 26, of Baltimore was sentenced to 60 years suspended all but 50 years with the first 15 years without parole in the attempted murder of Daniel Bartley, 27.

A jury found the defendant guilty of attempted first degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, wearing, carrying and transport a handgun on person and possessing a loaded handgun on April 30, 2021.

This was the first jury trial to convene since the closing of the courts due to the COVID19 pandemic.

“The defendant decided to violently take matters into his own hands when he shot Mr. Bartley and because of his choice, he will be spending many years in prison,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “In this case, the victim’s testimony was integral to the jury’s verdict and shows the power to stop violent individuals.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Nancy Olin prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Repeat Offender Receives Maximum Sentence for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Sharniel Baker of Baltimore was sentenced to 20 years of active incarceration for one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. This conviction represents Baker’s fifth felony conviction relating to the distribution of cocaine.

“While our office remains committed to offering resources and rehabilitation opportunities to individuals who suffer from drug addiction, Mr. Baker was in the business of distributing drugs and had no regard for the devastating impact of this deadly poison on the lives of those in our community,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

Assistant State’s Attorrney Marot Wiliamson prosecuted this case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Pasadena Man Receives Three Consecutive Life Sentences for Murder of Christopher Jones and Attempted First Degree Murder of Two Anne Arundel County Detectives

Joseph Willis of Pasadena was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in prison for one count of first degree murder in the death of Christopher Jones and attempted first degree murder of Anne Arundel County Detectives William S. Ballard and Ian Preece during an hours-long manhunt.

“More than a year ago, Mr. Willis killed Mr. Jones in cold blood while he slept, stole his car, and then shot at two veteran law enforcement officers while attempting to stop him from continuing his crime spree. Mr. Willis’ senseless actions traumatized our community by forcing schools to close and neighborhoods to lock down during the 16-hour manhunt.

Today, the defendant was held accountable for these heinous crimes,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

Assistant State's Attorney Jason Steinhardt prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE Glen Burnie Man Receives 15 Years in Sexual Abuse of Family Member

Donald Phelps, 61, of Glen Burnie was sentenced to 25 years suspend all but 15 years for sex abuse of a minor.

“This is truly a heartbreaking case,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “It’s disturbing that a family member would exploit the trust he had with the child and commit this abuse. It’s my hope that the victim continues to receive the support and resources required to overcome this devastating situation. Moreover, I hope that parents or parental figures continue to teach their children that no one has the right to touch their body and they have the right to say no.

I am so grateful this young victim was able to tell a trusted family member and brought this abuse to an end.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Maria Stamidis handled the sentencing in this case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Leader of White Supremacist Gang Receives Maximum Sentence in Orchestrating the Death of Fellow Prisoner Joseph Leissler, 52, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the murder of John O’Sullivan, 43, another prisoner at the Maryland Correctional Institution in Jessup.

Additionally, he was sentenced to another life sentence and 40 years to run concurrently.

A jury found Leissler guilty of all charges which included first degree murder, supervising a criminal gang, participation in a criminal gang resulting in death, participation in a criminal gang, and conspiracy to commit first degree murder on August 23, 2021.

“The defendant has been leading a violent life inside the jail and this sentence sends a clear message that justice doesn’t stop at the prison door and that any violent acts committed within prison will have real world consequences,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

“It’s my hope that the verdict provides the loved ones of Mr. O’Sullivan with a sense of solace, now that the fourth person involved in his death was held accountable and sentenced.”

Churchton Man Who Stabbed Woman With Semen-Filled Syringe Receives 10 Years

Thomas Stemen, 52, of Churchton was sentenced to 10 years of active incarceration and five years of supervised probation in the stabbing of a woman with a semen-filled syringe outside of a local grocery store.

“The defendant’s actions were truly horrific,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “He intentionally went out into our community with the goal of assaulting unsuspecting women. With this sentence, he will removed from our community for a long time. I am thankful for the citizens who identified him from video released by law enforcement and that the survivors are able to move forward after this senseless assault.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Megan Mickler prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizen of Anne Arundel County.

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE Former Mary Moss Academy Employee Receives 30 Years in Prison

Mark Thoms, 41, a former behavior specialist at Mary Moss Academy, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex abuse of a minor and continuing course of conduct.

“Sexual abuse against a minor is a particularly heinous crime, because it involves a violation of trust as well as the exploitation of a child,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “Thoms preyed upon a vulnerable family by convincing the child’s parent that he could assist them in caring for a victim who was disadvantaged economically and suffered from behavioral issues. It is clear that he picked this particular victim and family for the purpose of gaining access to the child so that he could abuse her. Our office is committed to holding such offenders accountable and I am thankful that this abuse came to light and the defendant has been removed from the community.”

Fentanyl Dealer Receives 25 years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

Michael Matthews, 42, of Crofton was sentenced to 40 years, suspend all but 25 years of active incarceration in prison for the use of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute a fentanyl mix and possession of a large amount of fentanyl.

“Sadly, the distribution of illicit drugs continues to plague our communities and with the introduction of fentanyl, a substance used to increase the potency of other illegal drugs, comes a higher risk of death from overdose,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “With this verdict, Matthews will no longer be able to peddle this deadly substance in our neighborhoods and will be held accountable for his crimes.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 46 Years for the Murder of Longtime Friends

Edwin Hurtado-Valdez, 22, of Brooklyn was sentenced to 46 years including 10 years without the possibility of parole in the deaths of Antwon Queen and Antwan Briggs. The defendant was sentenced to 18 years for second degree felony murder of Queen and 18 years for second degree felony murder of Briggs, five years without parole for firearm in crime of violence for Queen and five years without parole for firearm in crime of violence for Briggs. All sentences run consecutively.

“The lives of these two young men abruptly ended over a marijuana deal gone deadly,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

Assistant State’s Attorneys Jason Steinhardt and David Russell prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE Repeat Offender Receives 30 Years for Attempted Murder

Alonta Johnson, 28, of Baltimore was sentenced to 30 years of active incarceration for the attempted second degree murder of Anthony Jeppi in the parking garage at Maryland Live Casino.

“There’s no reason that a simple disagreement should lead to an individual being shot. The defendant’s actions were cold and callous and this sentence holds him accountable for his actions,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “Additionally, I would like to thank police and prosecutors who worked diligently in securing justice for Mr. Jeppi. We are fortunate to have the technology that was crucial in identifying the defendant and presenting that evidence in the courtroom.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Pritchard prosecuted this case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Drugged Driver Receives 20 Years in Death of Cyclist

Severn Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Attempted Murder

Carl Behler, 69, of Annapolis was sentenced to 20 years of active incarceration and five years of supervised probation in the fatal bicycling collision that killed Arthur Carter Jr., left Jeffrey Adler with lifethreatening injuries and injured Kathleen Hayes, Nigel Samaroo, Christopher Bradshaw, Joseph Hikel and Jonathon Korin.

Philip Leupolu, 21 ,of Severn plead guilty to second degree attempted murder and use of a handgun in a crime of violence. Leupolu was sentenced to 60 years suspend all but 28 years in prison. Leupolu was on probation for a felony assault case at the time of the shooting and will also serve a concurrent 12 year sentence for violation of probation.

“The defendant’s decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs was in complete disregard for the lives and safety of others. He robbed the parents of Arthur Carter, Jr. the opportunity to create more memories with their only son. I wish the other victims a speedy recovery and hope that this sentence provides the Carter family and the families and friends of the other cyclists with a sense a solace as they continue to heal from this tragic loss,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

Assistant State’s Attorney Carolynn Grammas prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

“The defendant turned a personal dispute into a violent attack on the victim. This brazen crime and his history indicates he is truly a danger to our community and this sentence will prevent him from committing violent acts for many years,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “I hope that the victim, Mr. Anderson, fully recovers from his injuries.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Nancy Olin prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Tucked in a windowless room in a county building, 20 pairs of eyes belonging to a team of 10 paralegals are glued to computer monitors.

Hundreds of hours worth of police body camera footage played on the screens, video that’s captured by Anne Arundel County’s 770-person police force, 110 Annapolis police officers, and the occasional dashcam video from Maryland Transportation Authority police and Maryland State Police. The team is the county state’s attorney’s office new “Body Worn Camera Unit” tasked with processing video recorded by the police that’s later presented in court.

State legislators passed a law earlier this year requiring every police department in Maryland equip its officers with body cameras by 2025. Annapolis police have been wearing body cameras since 2017 and generated a workload handled by two paralegals in the state’s attorney’s office. As of Sept. 16, Anne Arundel County police trained every active-duty officer to wear a camera. In five months, the department generated 28,197 hours of video and used a staggering 49 terabytes of data storage.

To process that much video, and purchase enough storage, the state’s attorney office requested $756,000 between fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in the county budget to staff a unit with eight paralegals and two assistant state’s attorneys. The office requested $4,700 in fiscal year 2022 for office supplies, headsets and a copier and plans to hire another person when MDTA police and state troopers begin wearing body cameras.

Deputy State’s Attorney Jessica Daigle estimates for every hundred officers that receive a body camera, one paralegal or assistant state’s attorney is needed to process the footage. One hour of video usually takes 90 to 120 minutes to analyze, Daigle said. In the past five weeks, the unit has processed 81,057 minutes of video, about 136 hours of footage a week.

Led by Assistant State’s Attorney Kris Vicencio, the unit watches every minute of footage related to misdemeanor and felony crimes. Staff take notes on witness statements to police, flag important events filmed on video, check for inconsistencies between a video and an officer’s written report, and shield confidential information, such as a victim’s address or a child or police informant’s face.

The ability to show police body camera footage to a jury at trial is a “game-changer,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

“Juries are fascinated by videos,” Leitess told the newly hired staff. During the insanity trial for the Capital Gazette mass shooter, Leitess showed the jury body camera video in which the shooter calmly reacted to and followed police officers’ orders. At trial, she pointed to his documented behavior as evidence he could understand his actions and change his behavior to follow the law. Leitess added that even the most mundane videos are compelling if it depicts a crime scene in real-time. “They are very powerful evidence,” she said.

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Carolyn Grammas, Anne Colt Leitess, Casey Hall Assistant State’s Attorney Carolynn Grammas and Assistant Director of Victim/Witness Services Casey Hall were recipients of the 2021 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Maryland Recognition Award for their outstanding service to end substance abuse impaired driving in our state.

Ms. Grammas and Ms. Hall are committed to supporting victims and witnesses in our community who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to impaired driving. These cases are extremely difficult and traumatizing for the families and friends of the victims. Ms. Grammas has distinguished herself as a tireless prosecutor dedicated to bringing justice to the victims’ families. She routinely responds to the scene of fatal crashes where she serves as an advisor to law enforcement every step of the way. Ms. Hall is a trauma-informed advocate who is sensitive to the unique experience that victims’ families have in such cases and provides referrals for counseling and support. The State’s Attorney’s Office congratulates them on this amazing recognition. We are grateful for their service and for the partnership of MADD as they continue to serve as a voice and advocate for victims of drunk and drugged driving. Since 1980, MADD has been at the forefront in the fight to end these senseless tragedies through educating the public on the dangers of impaired driving and by advocating for common sense legislation that holds offenders accountable.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Doud Receives Award from Anne Arundel County Police Department for Contributions to ‘Brown Drug Trafficking Organization’ Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess is pleased to announce that Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Doud was recognized for her contributions to the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Narcotics and Special Investigations Unit during the agency’s annual Awards Banquet on November 11, 2021.

The gang engaged in the distribution of numerous controlled dangerous substances, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City. The leaders of the gang also engaged in sex trafficking of numerous women. The investigation was “Assistant State’s Attorney led by the Maryland Office of Jennifer Doud is an asset not only the Attorney General and the to the State’s Attorney’s Office but Anne Arundel County Police to communities throughout the Department.

State of Maryland because of her role in the successful prosecution Brown pleaded guilty to the of criminal and drug cases,” said charges of gang leader, volume State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. dealer, conspiracy to engage in “Recently, Ms. Doud served as a sex trafficking and possession Special Assistant to the Maryland with intent to distribute Attorney General’s Office and was cocaine. He was sentenced to an integral part in the dismantling 40 years in prison with all but of a major drug operation, the 28 years suspended, the first 5 Brown Drug Trafficking years of which are to be served Organization, which included without the possibility of crimes committed in Anne Arundel parole.

County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City. I would like to Copeland pleaded guilty to thank Attorney General Brian participating in a criminal gang, Frosh for spearheading the volume dealer, conspiracy to prosecution of this case in engage in sex trafficking and collaboration with the Anne possession with intent to Arundel County Police Department distribute cocaine. He was in working together to keep our sentenced to 40 years in prison streets safe.” with all but 24 years suspended, the first 5 of which The gang’s leader, David Tico are to be served without the Brown, 45, and his close possibility of parole. associate Michael Anthony Copeland, 42, entered a guilty plea to multiple offenses for their role in the Brown Drug Trafficking Organization.

The eight month investigation began in 2019 when Anne Arundel County police detectives learned of a large organization selling controlled dangerous substances out of a local hotel. The leader of the organization, David Brown, used hotel staff and his co-defendants to thwart efforts of law enforcement while keeping members of his organization stocked with illegal narcotics. Brown’s coconspirators kept him so well insulated that he rarely left the hotel. Copeland often met with drug suppliers off-site and returned to the hotel to cook, package, and distribute the controlled substances. Other members of the organization traveled throughout Maryland and to other states to obtain the illegal narcotics that were later sold by the organization. Some members of the organization furthered the efforts of the gang by forcing women to engage in sex trafficking and encouraging those victims to provide CDS to their “dates.”

SERVING THE COMMUNITY State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess Announces Creation of Child Survivors Justice Program, Hires Kendall Patterson to Lead Grant-funded Program Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess is pleased to announce the creation of the Child Survivors Justice Program and the hiring of Ms. Kendall Patterson to lead the program.

encounter who are survivors of such terrible crimes committed against them. With Ms. Patterson spearheading the Child Survivors Justice Program, we hope to better represent these children through her knowledge and Ms. Patterson, a Licensed expertise," said State's Clinical Professional Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "In Counselor, will develop the the role, Ms. Patterson will be Child Survivors Justice responsible for educating our Program which will provide employees and partnering trauma informed training for agencies on how to understand Assistant State's Attorneys, and respond to various types of Victim/Witness Advocates, trauma. She will also serve as police officers and other key a key expert in court cases by stakeholders; provide expert explaining to judges and juries testimony on trauma and the behaviors traumatized adverse childhood experiences children might display such as and participate in community their delayed reporting of outreach to vulnerable crimes committed against communities. The Office of the them. And, most importantly, State's Attorney's Child she will help our prosecutors in Survivors Justice Program is supporting the victims so we funded by the Children's can bring their abuser to Justice Act Committee (CJAC) justice." which aims to improve the assessment, investigation and Ms. Patterson, who previously prosecution of cases of worked as a therapist at the suspected child abuse and Kennedy Krieger Institute neglect, including sexual abuse Center for Child and Family and exploitation, by limiting Traumatic Stress, has a additional trauma to the child background in adverse victim and the entire family childhood experiences, trauma during the criminal justice informed practices and working process. This program is with individuals with disabilities. facilitated by the Governor's She will utilize this extensive Office of Crime Prevention, knowledge and hands-on Youth and Victim Services experience while working (BJAG-2009-9000). closely with the Special Victims Unit and the juvenile trial teams "I am extremely pleased that in the office. our office can serve the many vulnerable children we

Since joining the Office of the State's Attorney in November 2020, Ms. Patterson has developed a training program for our police partners on childhood trauma and how it impacts and shapes behavior.

In January 2021, she facilitated an office-wide Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) Training, where instructors addressed the science behind childhood trauma and its impact on brain development.

She has also become part of an Anne Arundel County multidisciplinary community resource care team that helps connect children, youth and families in crisis to services and community-based supports.

Ms. Patterson is frequently called on to collaborate with Victim/Witness Advocates and Assistant State's Attorneys on proper interviewing of child victims and witnesses and trauma informed support for victims and witnesses in cases ranging from human trafficking to domestic and family violence.

Ms. Patterson received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Davidson College and a master's degree in counseling psychology from Towson University. When she isn't working at the Office of the State's Attorney, she works at a private therapy practice.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

For 33 years, our nation has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month to acknowledge the contributions of American citizens whose descendants came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Our county continues to see the growth of Hispanic communities and businesses, and with that, comes a need to identify the unique needs they may have in interacting with governmental agencies such as the courts, police and prosecutor’s office which they may encounter. In fact, recent demographics from the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation found that 8.4% of our residents are Hispanic.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, I am happy to report on some of the ways that our government agencies assist Spanish-speakers. The Office of the State’s Attorney seeks to ensure that justice is accessible to all in Anne Arundel County by employing Spanish-speaking attorneys and victim-witness advocates to help navigate the criminal justice system. Our office currently provides both in-person and virtual assistance for all witnesses and victims so that coming forward is a not seen as a daunting task or overly burdensome.

We also recognize that some within the Hispanic community may be reluctant to report crime as either victims or witnesses out of fear of retribution, harm to their livelihoods or status in the country. If Hispanic residents are less likely to come forward or cooperate during a criminal investigation, then our entire community suffers from unsolved crime and victimization. No one should feel unsafe in their homes or vulnerable to criminals who can exploit such fears. When members of a community are afraid to speak up, they can become targets of crime and marginalized in our society. Because our county needs the participation of the Hispanic community in our justice system, our victim-witness advocates work to gain the trust of victims and witnesses so that they know we have their best interests in mind and will support them throughout the proceedings.

We have found that by building a rapport with victims and witnesses, there is a greater level of cooperation and participation in criminal cases. During court hearings, certified interpreters are available to translate and are provided by the judicial system. For more information about services that courts provide for those needing language assistance, visit mdcourts.gov/courtlanguage. For those victims and witnesses who speak languages other than Spanish, our office uses a certified Language Line to communicate with victims and witnesses in many different languages. The Office of the State’s Attorney is committed to providing guidance and information to all victims and witnesses of crime in order to make a safer county for all.

Office of the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County

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Anne Colt Leitess

State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County