Commitment to Justice

Convicted Felon Receives Life Plus 45 Years in Retrial in Murder of Former Federal Protective Services Officer

William McDonald, 41, of Glen Burnie was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 45 years for the first degree felony murder of Benjamin Curtis, a former federal protective services officer, two counts of armed robbery, use of a handgun in a crime of violence and possession of a regulated firearm after a conviction for a crime of violence. A jury found the defendant guilty of all the charges on October 28, 2021.

“Justice for the family and friends of Mr. Curtis was a long time coming. Initially, this was a cold case for many years and then once it was charged, had a number of challenges including a mistrial, and later being overturned on appeal due to a procedural error. The case was retried last year and a jury found the defendant guilty of all charges,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess,” This outcome reflects our dedication to getting justice for victims regardless of the passing of time and the difficulties that come with handling complicated cases.”

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

MS-13 Gang Member Receives 30 Years for Second Degree Murder

Cristian Pleitez-Tejada, 23, of Edgewater was sentenced to 30 years of active incarceration for the second degree murder of Jose Salvador Mancia Aguilar.

The defendant entered a guilty plea on October 14, 2021.

“The defendant had an ongoing disagreement with the victim and sought him out at a local restaurant to attack him, unprovoked and without warning. He then fled the state so he wouldn’t be caught. I am grateful that the judge recognized the defendant’s dangerousness as a verified gang member, and sentenced him to the maximum sentence for this crime,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “It’s my hope that this outcome provides the victim’s family and friends some peace as they have suffered a terrible loss.”

Assistant State’s Attorneys Glen Neubauer and Brian Pritchard prosecuted this case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Glen Burnie Man Receives Life Suspend All But 50 Years for Attempted First Degree Murder

Gerald Haigis, 47, of Glen Burnie was sentenced to life suspend all but 50 years of active incarceration for attempted first degree murder, armed carjacking, armed robbery and first degree assault.

A jury found the defendant guilty of the charges on October 7, 2021.

“Having to relive such a horrific incident is never an easy thing to do and it’s because of the victims’ strength that the defendant was held accountable and will spend decades in prison where he won’t be able to hurt anyone else. I hope this sentence provides him with a sense of solace as he continues to heal from such a vicious assault and robbery,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

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