Frederick Man Found Guilty of Voter Intimidation

/in /by

FREDERICK, MD – This morning in Frederick County District Court, James Dale Reed, age 42, of Frederick stood trial charged with one count of Threat of Mass Violence and one count of Voter Intimidation. The bench trial was held before the Honorable Judge Eric William Schaffer. Following arguments and testimony put forward by the State and defense, Judge Schaffer found Reed Guilty of Voter Intimidation and Not Guilty for Threat of Mass Violence. Following a recess, Reed was sentenced to 2 years in the Division of Corrections with all but time served (132 days) suspended. Reed must also complete 3 years of supervised probation.

 

In reaction to the ruling, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “In the rendering of his verdict, Judge Schaffer stated that the Maryland statute requires a minimum of 5 people be threatened to constitute a threat of mass violence. We respect his interpretation of the law, but believe that the letter clearly represented a serious threat of political violence against a larger group of people.”

 

Reed was charged after residents of a home on Kline Blvd. in Frederick reported receiving a threatening letter in their mailbox. Reed targeted the address due to several political signs displayed on their property. The letter contained threats of violence against then-presidential candidate Joe Biden, his running-mate Sen. Kamala Harris, and former Rep. Gabby Giffords. The letter also stated, “this is a warning to anyone reading this letter that if you are a Biden/Harris supporter you will be “targeted”, have a list of homes and addresses by your election signs.”

 

The State was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney Samantha Slattery. Federal charges in this incident are pending.

 

####

James Dale Reed

Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Engler joins the Legal Advisory Committee for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention

/in /by

Congratulations to Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Engler on joining the Legal Advisory Committee for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention. Ms. Engler works hard each day to protect victims of domestic violence and raise awareness of the dangers of strangulation.

 

Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual assault: Mere seconds can result in unconsciousness, and minutes leading to death. In the past, the severity of strangulation was often overlooked due to the apparent lack of external physical injuries. Greater study revealed the severe and lasting impacts of constricting blood and air flow in the neck.

 

Domestic violence safety advocates, medical professionals, legislators, and prosecutors have all recognized the serious nature of this offense and have taken great strides to help protect victims. In 2020, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation defining strangulation as 1st Degree Assault, a felony that can carry up to 25 years incarceration.

Statistics release by the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention highlight that victims are 750% more likely to be murdered by someone who had previously strangled them.

 

ABOUT THE TRAINING INSTITUTE ON STRANGULATION PREVENTION (https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/about-us/)

The Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention (Institute) is a program of Alliance for HOPE International.  The Institute was launched with support from the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women in 2011 in effort to bring awareness and education about the lethality and long-term consequences of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation assaults to victims of across the lifespan.  The Institute seeks to prevent IPV homicides through awareness, education and training; develop new tools and resources; support professionals in the field; identify and promote best practices; recruit and develop experts and specialist; enhance the health and safety of victims; and improve offender accountability. The Institute has three working committees: Medical, Legal and Advocacy.

Brett Engler

Assistant State’s Attorney

 

District Court Chief Michael J. Moore Appointed to State Board of Law Examiners

/in /by

Michael J. Moore, Esq., Executive Team and Chief of our District Court Division, was recently appointed to the State Board of Law Examiners by Maryland’s Highest Court, the Court of Appeals.   The State Board of Law Examiners and its staff administer the bar examination and coordinate the application process by which persons are admitted to practice law in Maryland. Historically, Courts of the Maryland Province were first authorized to examine persons seeking to practice law in 1715. These examinations typically were carried out by the County Courts from 1715 to 1851. Those duties then were assigned to the Circuit Courts from 1851 to 1898, when the State Board of Law Examiners was created by the General Assembly.  Seven lawyers compose the Board of Law Examiners. They are appointed to five-year terms by the Court of Appeals . Moore replaces longtime Western Region board member Greg Getty, who recently retired. Reflecting on the new position, Moore commented, “I am humbled and honored to be able to serve my profession in this capacity and look forward to the challenge.”

Michael J. Moore

SAO District Court Chief