Frederick Man Sentenced to Serve 19.5 years in the Division of Correction for First-Degree Assault, Witness Intimidation, Possession of Child Pornography, Violation of Probation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 8, 2025

Frederick Man Sentenced to Serve 19.5 years in the Division of Correction for First-Degree Assault, Witness Intimidation, Possession of Child Pornography, Violation of Probation

 

 

 Frederick, MD – Yesterday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Julia Minner sentenced 39-year-old Johnathan Robert Spacil to serve an overall sentence of 19.5 years in the Division of Corrections for First-Degree Assault, Witness Intimidation, and related crimes. His active sentence also included prison time for Possession of Child Pornography, and Violation of Probation.  The Defendant pled guilty to all counts on September 12, 2025.

The Court suspended an additional 25 years and upon release the Defendant is ordered to serve 5 years of supervised probation with all standard conditions, including a prohibition against contacting the Victim.  The Defendant must register as a Tier I Sex Offender for Life and adhere to COMET Supervision.

On February 5, 2025, Deputies from the Frederick County Sherrif’s Office responded to a physical domestic violence incident. The female victim called police to say that the Defendant had held her down and “choked” her earlier in the day. She said she was calling from the bathroom at Sam’s Club, but had to disconnect abruptly.  Deputies quickly located the victim and learned that the incident had actually happened at home. After being strangled, the victim convinced the Defendant to take her shopping in hopes that she could call police safely from a public place.  Deputies observed an apparent bite-mark on her face, extremely red skin on her face and finger marks on both sides of her neck. The Sherrif’s Office placed the Defendant under arrest. The Defendant remained held without bond pending trial, and tried multiple times to manipulate the victim into not participating in the prosecution.

During the course of the subsequent months the victim disclosed to police multiple other instances of abuse. The Defendant was on probation for assaulting the Victim when this incident occurred. The Victim had chosen to stay in the relationship and not participate in the prosecution as a victim at that time. Following this recent incident, the Victim was able to participate and address the Court at sentencing, detailing her journey from victim to survivor.

Further, Detectives forensically investigated the Defendant’s cell phone, discovering multiple images of child pornography of victims under nine years of age.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated “Prosecutors doing this work understand that it often takes a domestic violence victim upwards of seven times to leave an abusive relationship. Domestic violence is cyclical and escalates over time without intervention. When victims feel safe and healed enough to participate in prosecutions, we can see true accountability for an offender. That is exactly what happened here.”

Assistant State’s Attorney, Domestic Violence Unit, Will Grove, represented the State of Maryland.

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Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

 

BRUNSWICK MAN TO SERVE LIFE PLUS 20 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER, FIRST DEGREE RAPE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

BRUNSWICK MAN TO SERVE LIFE PLUS 20 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER, FIRST DEGREE RAPE

 

 

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Scott Rolle ordered 19-year-old Juwuan Terry Stewart, of Brunswick, MD to serve an agreed-upon sentence of Life plus 20 Years, in the Division of Corrections for First-Degree Murder and First-Degree Rape.  The Defendant accepted a guilty plea to both charges on February 19, 2025.

On January 22, 2024, Brunswick Police responded to a call from a family member of the 61-year old victim who found her unresponsive.  The victim was pronounced deceased on scene.

The Medical Examiner subsequently ruled the victim’s death a homicide as a result of multiple stab wounds and asphyxia due to strangulation.

Through investigation which included interviews with multiple witnesses, cell phone records, surveillance footage and the Defendant’s GPS ankle monitor, investigators were able to establish a timeline, placing the Defendant at the victim’s apartment on the afternoon of January 17, 2024.  Witnesses told police the Defendant asked the victim if he could brush the snow off of her car for money.  Witnesses said the victim repeatedly told the Defendant that she did not need assistance, as she tried to send him away.  The next day the Defendant’s discarded ankle monitor was found laying in his backyard.  The monitor had been cut off by the Defendant on the evening of the 17th.  DNA consistent with the Defendant was recovered from the victim and evidence collected at the scene.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “This is an extremely egregious case that would have been death penalty eligible not so long ago. The community needs to understand that some teenagers are capable of extremely brutal and horrific crimes and should be punished according to the crime, not just their age.”

The victim’s daughter described how this crime affected her life, in the Victim Impact Statement, telling the court, “I am unsure how I can ever put into words the impact of losing my mother in such a horrific way has impacted not only my life, but my family’s life as well. . . . This is an experience no one should have to experience in their life.  I will never be the same person after this life altering event.”

The victim’s niece addressed the court in her Victim Impact Statement stating “[Mr. Stewart] will be allowed to serve a single sentence while so many others will serve our own sentences because of Mr. Stewart’s actions.  My aunt . . . was finally finding her place in the world and was aspiring to do great things with her life when Mr. Stewart robbed her of that opportunity.”

The Defendant will be required to register as a lifetime sex offender.  The Defendant will also be on Lifetime Sex Offender Supervision under the Sex Offender Management Team.

The arrest and conviction of the Defendant was a collaborative effort between the Brunswick Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Frederick City Police Department and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The State of Maryland was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit Lindsey Carpenter and Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Erin Pearl.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

 

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FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 12 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 12, 2025

 

FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 12 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT

 

FREDERICK, MD – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Theresa Adams sentenced 41-year old Logan Hakeem Young to 25 years in the Division of Corrections, suspending all but 12 years, for First-Degree Assault.  The Defendant pled guilty to the charge on April 30, 2025.   The State asked for and received the top of the sentencing guidelines.

On August 24, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, Frederick Police responded to 1786 Eagle Rock Lane in Frederick, MD for a report of physical domestic disturbance.  The 32 year-old female victim called 911 to report that she had been strangled and punched in her face multiple times earlier that morning by her partner, the Defendant.  The victim also reported the Defendant threatened her with a weapon.  Police observed physical signs of abuse and strangulation on the victim, who was transported by EMS to Frederick Health Hospital for evaluation and treatment.  The Defendant was located and arrested at a local diner at 3:20 pm that same day.

In court, the State read from the Victim Impact Statement, “I ignored warning signs; it cost me my safety.”

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “Strangulation in domestic violence cases is a deadly form of assault. We know that a victim of domestic violence who has been strangled, even once, is 750% more likely to be killed by their abuser in the future. The State’s Attorney’s Office works relentlessly with our community and agency partners to hold these abusers accountable for their actions.”

The State of Maryland was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Erin Pearl and Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit/Domestic Violence Unit, Carly Gibson. The investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of the Defendant was conducted by the Frederick Police Department with assistance by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and led by FPD Detective Rebecca Skelly.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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PENNSYLVANIA MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 30 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE FENTANYL, COCAINE AND HEROIN MIXTURE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 21, 2025

 

PENNSYLVANIA MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 30 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE FENTANYL, COCAINE AND HEROIN MIXTURE

 

 

Frederick, MD – Today, in the Frederick County Circuit Court, the Honorable Judge Kathleen English sentenced 46-year-old Jerome Mario Britton to 30 years in the Division of Correction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine and Heroin, following a March 28, 2025, jury verdict of guilty.  The Defendant was sentenced to 20 years to serve on Possession With Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and an additional 10 years consecutive to serve in the Division of Correction for possesing with intent to distribute a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. The State had requested the sentence, which is significantly above the sentencing guidelines of between 6 and 22 years. The Court noted in delivering the sentence that the departure above the sentencing guidelines was in consideration of the State’s recommendation, and the lengthy criminal record of the Defendant.

On September 4, 2024, at approximately 10:34 a.m., police received a tip from Carroll Township in Pennsylvania regarding the Defendant.  Police were advised that the Defendant had just traveled to Harrisburg, PA to purchase narcotics for transport back to Frederick, with intent to distribute for profit.  At approximately 1:30 pm police observed a vehicle, parked in Frederick City and registered to the Defendant’s wife.  MVA records showed the vehicle’s registration was expired.  The Defendant was observed walking to the vehicle, entering it and driving away.  Police conducted a traffic stop with the Defendant and requested a K9 team to perform a scan of the vehicle. The K9 had a positive alert for the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.  The Defendant was placed under arrest.  A search of the Defendant’s person yielded fifteen baggies of fentanyl mixed with heroin (9.4 grams) and eleven baggies of cocaine (2.3 grams.)

The sentence was structured as 20 years to the Division of Correction on the conviction for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and a consecutive 10 year sentence for the substance being a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. The Defendant will serve the 30 year sentence consecutively to a previously issued sentence of 13.5 years that he received for domestic assault and numerous violation of protective order convictions, after a separate jury trial concluding on March 20, 2025.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “This Defendant is the definition of a recidivist. He has been committing crimes for 30 years. These significant sentences, to be served consecutively, are a result of great work by the Frederick Police Department and my Domestic Violence and Narcotics Units.”

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Colleen K. Swanson, of the Narcotics Unit, represented the State of Maryland.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

 

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BALTIMORE MAN RECEIVES 60 YEAR SENTENCE IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FELONY WITNESS INTIMDATION (4 COUNTS), AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, COMMITTED WHILE ON PROBATION FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 27, 2025

 

BALTIMORE MAN RECEIVES 60 YEAR SENTENCE IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FELONY WITNESS INTIMDATION (4 COUNTS), AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, COMMITTED WHILE ON PROBATION FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

 

 

Frederick, MD – Yesterday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Julia Martz-Fisher sentenced Milton Stewart, 58, of Baltimore to a total of 60 years in the Division of Corrections for four counts of felony witness intimidation and one count of obstruction of justice.  A jury found the Defendant guilty of those offenses on March 20, 2025. The Defendant received a total sentence across the five counts of 85 years, with 25 years suspended.

On March 28, 2024, Sergeant Welsh of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 70. The Defendant, Milton Stewart, nicknamed “Silk” was one of four occupants inside the stopped car. After a positive K9 alert, deputies searched the car and recovered a significant amount of controlled dangerous substances. The Defendant was charged with felony drug offenses as a result of the investigation.

During the traffic stop, one of the other passengers provided information to Sergeant Welsh about the Defendant relevant to the drug investigation. The information provided by that witness was included in the statement of probable cause submitted in the District Court with the drug charges against the Defendant.

The Defendant, while in custody at the Frederick County Detention Center pending trial for the felony drug offenses, then committed several acts of witness intimidation against that witness over the course of several months. In Maryland, if someone commits or attempts to commit witness intimidation in connection with felony drug offenses or a crime of violence, the acts of intimidation (or corrupt means to influence a witness) then constitute felonies.

Evidence admitted at trial showed that the Defendant, from the detention center, sent threatening and corrupting text messages to the witness’s daughter, addressed to the witness and intended to be seen by the witness.

Evidence reviewed by the jury also included a birthday card the Defendant sent to the witness from the detention center. That card had a handwritten message with phrases including “I LOVE YOU TO DEATH” (with an angry face drawn next to it), “SHH” (also with an angry face), and “Bodymore Murdaland.” On the back of the envelope for the card, the Defendant wrote “I NEVER FORGET” and “ANYTHING.”

“While witness intimidation rarely occurs with disinterested or unrelated witnesses,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, “we do see it in cases of domestic violence, or with cooperators as it was in this instance.  In any event, prosecutors and judges take a very dim view of those who intimidate a witness, which is why this deserving sentence was so long.”

The Defendant was on probation for First-Degree Murder at the time of these offenses. He was found guilty of First-Degree Murder in Baltimore City in 2006 and was then released in November 2021.

Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Tumulty of the Felony Narcotics Division represented the State of Maryland.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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Drug Treatment Court Graduation and 20th Anniversary

Drug Treatment Court Graduation and 20th Anniversary

The Honorable Julia Martz-Fisher presided over the Frederick County Drug Treatment Court Graduation this afternoon.  The celebration recognized the D.T.C.’s proud graduates as well as marked the 20th anniversary of the program’s success!  Participants receive supportive interventions to remain substance-free and to contribute responsibly to our community.  Congratulations to all!  Learn more about the D.T.C. in Frederick: https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/5508/Drug-Treatment-Court

 

 

FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 18 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SECOND-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE AND TWO COUNTS OF THIRD-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE OF TWO MINORS

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 28, 2025

FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 18 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SECOND-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE AND TWO COUNTS OF THIRD-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE OF TWO MINORS

 

 

Frederick, MD – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Joanie Raymond-Brubaker sentenced 67-year old Donald Bernard Brooks to serve 18 years in the Division of Corrections for one count of Second-Degree Sex Offense and two counts of Third-Degree Sex Offense of two minors.  The Defendant pleaded guilty in both cases.

On July 15, 2024, Frederick Police received a call from an adult male victim who asked to remain anonymous regarding a sexual offense committed on him by the Defendant.  The victim told police when he was seven years old, the Defendant (36 years old at the time of the incident) sexually assaulted him in the home of a family friend.  The Victim remained silent until he turned 18, when he told his mother about the incident.  His mother contacted the police at that time, however the victim did not wish to proceed with an investigation.  On July 15, 2024 the victim contacted the police after learning that the Defendant was babysitting minor children.

On August 5, 2024, a female victim called Frederick Police after she saw the news of the Defendant’s arrest.  She told police the Defendant sexually abused her multiple times when she was seven years old inside the family home where the Defendant resided.  The Defendant was 21 years old at the time of the incident.  The Victim initially told her mother after the last incident who elected not to notify authorities but did not allow the minor victim to go over to the Defendant’s residence any more.

Investigators became aware of three additional Victims, however charges were not filed as they were either unable to be fully identified or elected not to proceed with a criminal investigation.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “This is really a story of courage. The courage for these victims to come forward many years later to make sure that this abuse did not happen to anyone else is truly admirable.”

During the Plea and Sentencing Hearing, Victim #1 addressed the Court in a Victim Impact Statement: “This is healing for me. He ruined my whole life.  It replayed in my head over and over; so many nightmares.”  Victim # 2 also told Judge Raymond-Brubaker: “No one should have to give a statement like this.  He was like family to me.  He used every opportunity to abuse me.”

Probationary conditions will include five years of supervised probation upon release, no contact with the victims, no contact with any minor child and additional electronic and internet monitoring.

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter represented the State of Maryland.

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Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

Domestic Violence Unit Chief, Brett Engler Awarded 2025 Purple Ribbon Medal for Legal Advocate of the Year

Domestic Violence Unit Chief, Brett Engler Awarded

2025 Purple Ribbon Medal for Legal Advocate of the Year

 

May 22, 2025

Frederick, MD – DomesticShelters.org announced Chief, Domestic Violence Unit, Brett Engler, as one of their 42 winners, nationwide, of the 2025 Purple Ribbon Awards.  ASA Engler was chosen and judged by a national panel of leading professionals from across the domestic violence field.  2025 marks the fifth year of the Purple Ribbon Awards, presented by Alliance for HOPE International, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates DomesticShelters.org.

Launched in 2021, The Purple Ribbon Awards are the most comprehensive awards program honoring the countless hope-givers of the domestic violence movement. PRA winners include domestic violence advocates, programs, shelters, organizations, survivors and members of the community support system. Nominations for the Purple Ribbon Awards are submitted from around the world.  Purple Ribbon Awards are dedicated to honoring all the compassionate efforts to help victims of domestic violence.

The busiest unit in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County, Chief Engler’s D.V. team handled over 400 District Court misdemeanor cases and over 130 Circuit Court felony cases in 2024 alone.

“Domestic violence is a global pandemic affecting millions of people and costing taxpayers billions of dollars every year. Those that step up to help those in need rarely get the recognition they deserve,” said Ashley Rumschlag, National Director of DomesticShelters.org. “The Purple Ribbon Awards celebrates the remarkable people and organizations that might otherwise go unrecognized. The awards are all about bringing hope to the hope-givers and inspiring one another to do more for survivors.”

Chief Brett Engler said, “I am so honored and thank you to the Alliance for the recognition and to Maggie Henderson, Victim Services, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, for the nomination and for being an invaluable partner in this life-saving work on behalf of victims in Frederick County.”

https://www.allianceforhope.org/

https://www.domesticshelters.org/

 

Frederick Man Sentenced to 13.5 Years in the Division of Corrections for Second-Degree Assault and 17 Counts of Violating a Protective Order

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 19, 2025

Frederick Man Sentenced to 13.5 Years in the Division of Corrections for

Second-Degree Assault and 17 Counts of Violating a Protective Order

 

 

 

Frederick, MD – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Joanie Raymond-Brubaker ordered 45-yr-old Jerome Mario Britton, of Frederick, MD to serve a total of 13.5 years in the Division of Corrections for Second-Degree Assault and 17 counts of Violation of a Protective Order.  A jury found the Defendant guilty of those crimes on March 20, 2025.

On September 4, 2024, Frederick Police responded to Frederick Health Hospital for a report of a domestic assault.  The Victim had asked her husband to drive her to the hospital to get medical attention for “a toothache.”  When she was safe, she disclosed that her actual injury was to her eye area from having been assaulted by her husband several weeks prior. The hospital staff reported the assault to police immediately with the consent of the Victim.

The victim told police that on August 15, 2024, the Defendant punched her in the eye with his closed fist, causing her to lose consciousness.  The victim took photos of the injuries of her bruised and swollen eye, which she showed law enforcement.  Police observed the victim’s eye was still swollen and bruised from the assault upon observing her.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “My office takes Domestic Violence extremely seriously, we know how difficult it is to navigate an abusive situation and seek help. We commend this victim for finding safety in reporting and for sharing her story with the jury.  We are pleased with the sentence and feel that justice was done.”

The State read the Victim’s impact statement, “My children were fearful when they say my injuries.  He has no regard for the pain he caused us.  We are safe now and I no longer take my safety for granted.”

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Domestic Violence Unit, Brett Engler represented the State of Maryland.

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Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

 

State’s Attorney’s Office Declines Prosecution of Deputy Involved in Use of Force

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 15, 2025

 

State’s Attorney’s Office Declines Prosecution of Deputy Involved in Use of Force

 

Frederick, MD – The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed body worn camera footage from the May 12, 2025 officer-involved shooting pertaining to Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Gregory Morton at the 300 block of North Market Street in Frederick.    Upon reviewing the body worn camera footage and consulting with the investigators assigned to this incident, my Office has concluded that the use of deadly force by Corporal Morton against Cody Berg was necessary and proportional.  Therefore, it was legally justified under Maryland law given the standard set by the United States Supreme Court case of Graham v. Connor.  As a result, it is our opinion that Corporal Morton did not commit a crime and therefore, no charges will be place against Corporal Morton.  We do not opine on lesser conduct and this opinion does not preclude any administrative actions that may be taken by Internal Affairs.

As Cody Berg has pending criminal charges against him, it is the policy of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office to not release any evidence, including the body worn camera footage, nor provide further comment at this time.  The decision to not release evidence, including any verbal or non-verbal statements therein, being used against the Defendant at trial is governed by the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 19-303.6 and Rule 19-303.8 (e), which state in part:

(e) except for statements that are necessary to inform the public of the nature and extent of the prosecutor’s action and that serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose, [prosecutors shall] refrain from making extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused and exercise reasonable care to prevent an employee or other person under the control of the prosecutor in a criminal case from making an extrajudicial statement that the prosecutor would be prohibited from making under Rule 19-303.6.

A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate. This responsibility carries with it specific obligations to see that the defendant is accorded procedural justice and that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence.  The potential impact of pretrial publicity on a pending prosecution must be balanced against the public’s interest in transparency and police accountability.  It is our duty to consider the due process rights of the accused when deciding whether to release, or to advise police departments to release, body-worn camera footage pre-trial.  With that said, the existing rules and law prioritize the functioning of our justice system over the public’s right and demand to immediately see and hear the evidence in any case.

This decision to not release certain evidence at this time is merely temporary.  In all police-involved shootings a full declination report disclosing and detailing all the evidence, including body worn camera footage, and the decision-making process as it relates to the use of force will be released by our office upon the conclusion of the pending criminal prosecution.

Respectfully,

Charles Smith III

State’s Attorney

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Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701