ASSISTANT STATE’S ATTORNEY BRETT ENGLER TO CHAIR NEWLY FORMED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL

/in /by

Last week, the newly formed Frederick County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council held their first meeting. Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Engler will serve as chair, County Councilmember Jessica Fitzwater will serve as co-chair.  The Council, which is a multidisciplinary group different local county agencies, non-profits, and the Judiciary, will collaborate to promote and facilitate an effective, community-wide response to domestic violence here in the Frederick community.

 

Engler’s passion for protecting victims and combatting intergenerational cycles of violence led to the group’s formation at a time when it is more necessary than ever. The pandemic has led to an increased concern for domestic violence victims–as isolation, economic disruption, and uncertainty can exacerbate the power and control dynamics that cause abusive behavior.

 

In his remarks to the first meeting, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “I’ve seen the trauma and the devastation that these crimes cause and, quite frankly, continue to inflict well after they occur.” Smith is hopeful that this will be a new mechanism for increasing awareness, prevention, and creating policies and programs that ultimately save lives. “My hope is that having a DVCC will elevate the topic of domestic violence within the community, and provide a forum where the State’s Attorney’s Office can engage with other stakeholders in order to prevent victimization, deter violence, and address offenses in Frederick County for the safety of our most vulnerable,” Smith adds.

JUDGE RULES FORMER FREDERICK PEDIATRICIAN INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL

/in /by

FREDERICK, MD – In a written opinion released this morning, Circuit Court Judge Julie Stevenson Solt ruled that Ernesto Cesar Torres, age 70, of Frederick is incompetent to stand trial.  In December 2019, Defendant Ernesto Torres, was charged with ninety-eight counts of sexual offenses against nineteen separate juvenile victims from 7/2/2001 to 4/29/2019.  A hearing was held before Judge Solt on June 23, 2021 to determine the Defendant’s competency. Competency is defined as a defendant’s capability to assist counsel in preparing a defense and to understand the nature of the proceedings.

The State’s expert Psychiatrist, Dr. Danielle Robinson, of the Maryland Department of Health opined that the Defendant was competent to stand trial. However, the Defendant’s psychiatrist, Dr. Christiane Tellefsen, disagreed and believed the Defendant remains incompetent due to a delusional disorder and belief in an “Evil Black Witch”.  The Court concluded that each opinion is equally possible and therefore could not conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the Defendant is presently competent to stand trial.

The court ordered that Torres continue to be held in an appropriate hospital under the supervision of the Department of Health.  Further, the Court will review competency again in 90 days and hold subsequent annual reviews.

In reaction to today’s ruling, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “It’s very frustrating that these countless victims won’t be able to confront the Defendant and have their day in court.  It often provides some closure and assists in the healing process.  With this ruling, that avenue is closed.  We still feel strongly that he is competent and fully understands the abuse that he inflicted.”

 

DISTRICT COURT CHIEF JOINS FPD FOR LAUNCH OF NEW CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM

/in /by
District Court Chief Michael Moore joined members of the Frederick Police Department for the launch of their new Crisis Response Team co-responder program. This new mental health resource will be provided to the citizens of Frederick City through a partnership between FPD, Sheppard Pratt, the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, Frederick County Health Dept., and the City of Frederick Dept. of Housing and Human Services. Moore believes that this will be an important step forward stating, “The Crisis Response Team is a great way to bring much needed mental health resources to the front lines. This new team is a perfect complement to what we are trying to achieve in the courtroom, with the added benefit of being present in the very first moments of crisis.”
The State’s Attorney’s Office is working hard to address the needs of those struggling with mental health issues. In September 2020, Frederick launched a Mental Health Court program. The Frederick County District Court’s Mental Health Court Program (MHCP) strives to compassionately and effectively address the needs of individuals with mental disorders in the criminal justice system by connecting participants to comprehensive and individualized treatment supports and services in the community. The MHCP is a post-plea, pre-sentence specialty court. The court project is a widely collaborative, community-based effort committed to providing access to resources, training, and expertise to address the unique needs of this population.
Following today’s launch of the Crisis Response Team car, Mental Health Court Coordinator Jeb Kimble commented, “we plan to work with FPD and hope that they are able to divert people to the resources they need.” He added, “it is important that we get to people before they become too deeply entrenched in the criminal justice system.”
The MHCP currently has 7 participants, with anticipated growth as the program continues to gain referrals.