Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger has raised alarms about the ongoing issue of juvenile crime in Maryland, particularly among those already under state supervision and equipped with ankle monitors.
During an appearance on WBAL NewsRadio, Shellenberger expressed his concerns regarding the increasing number of incidents involving juveniles and firearms, indicating a shift in the philosophy surrounding juvenile crime in the state.
Recent high-profile cases underscore this issue, including the arrest of two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, charged as adults for their involvement in a shooting that severely injured a 50-year-old man during an attempted robbery in Rodgers Forge. Shellenberger noted that the victim’s life has been irreversibly affected, as he will endure lifelong consequences from his injuries. The incident is one of many highlighting the disturbing trend of young individuals engaging in violent crime.
In another case, Baltimore City police apprehended three teenagers, all 14 years old, for allegedly robbing a Royal Farms store, during which one of the girls was armed. Shellenberger pointed out that these juveniles are not only perpetrators of crimes but are also often victims in their own right, calling for a more comprehensive understanding and response to the underlying issues driving this violence.
In response to the growing crisis, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services DJS recently announced policy changes aimed at enhancing accountability and rehabilitation for young offenders.
These include the establishment of a statewide commission to reform juvenile justice practices and policies regarding electronic monitoring for those accused of violent felonies. Youths charged with violent felonies and already on electronic monitoring will face detention.
Despite these measures, Shellenberger voiced skepticism regarding the effectiveness of ankle monitors. He highlighted troubling cases where juveniles have removed their monitors, with significant delays in reporting these breaches.
He noted the recent arrest of a 17-year-old boy on DJS monitoring in connection with a fatal shooting, amplifying his concerns.
Shellenberger emphasized the need for a more immediate reporting process when a monitor is tampered with, suggesting that current protocols may not be sufficient to ensure the safety of the community.
If you are on monitoring and you’re at home, there’s not a duty for the parents to necessarily call when you leave that monitor, he stated, calling for urgent reforms to better protect both the community and the youths involved.