BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — After nearly two decades as Baltimore County’s State’s Attorney, Scott Shellenberger is now, begrudgingly, preparing for life after elected office.
In his first one-on-one interview since losing the Democratic primary, Shellenberger tells FOX45 he isn’t looking forward to retirement. “For folks that know me, I love my job. I love the work, and I wanted to do it another four years,” he said.
In total, Schellenberger’s career with the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office actually spans more than three decades. He began as a law clerk, rising in the ranks to prosecutor, and eventually, head of the child sex abuse unit. Then, after a stint in private practice, he says the pull of public service brought him back.
“I missed being a prosecutor,” Shellenberger said, “I missed being able to give victims some semblance of satisfaction, not complete, but we could make sure the person who had done it was held responsible, and I think that was very satisfying to have that as a career.”
Throughout his career, Schellenberger left his mark as a tough-on-crime prosecutor, leading the push to equip Baltimore County police officers with body cameras, and helping spearhead legislation expanding DNA collection from violent offenders.
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“And I think that’s a really important step that continues to this day,” he said.
But ultimately, voters decided on a new direction. In the June primary, Deputy State Prosecutor Sarah David defeated Schellenberger by a commanding margin, receiving about 54% of the vote to Shellenberger’s 27%.
Schellenberger said he was surprised by the numbers, pointing to declining crime and homicide rates during his tenure.
“I was and am,” he said, “To lose by 20,000 votes was, just, it was hard to wrap my head around, and still is.”
It was an incredibly contentious and expensive race. Despite denying any direct affiliation, David’s campaign was backed heavily by an outside political group with financial ties to billionaire George Soros. Over the last two election cycles, Schellenberger says the Working Families Party spent roughly $2 million, mostly on television ads and fliers taking aim at his character.
“I think it had a lot to do with it,” said Schellenberger, “I certainly acknowledge that Sarah David is qualified, and I understand that, but I can’t see how you can ignore the fact that over two elections citizens of Baltimore County are being told to the tune of $2 million that Shellenberger is not a good person.”
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At the same time, Shellenberger acknowledged criticisms that his office did not do enough to publicize data and statistics about its work, saying his priority was putting prosecutors in court rather than assigning staff to compile statistics.
Looking ahead, Shellenberger says he’s already congratulated David and is committed to helping ensure a smooth transition.
“I’m hopeful, and I’m optimistic,” he said, “I will do everything I can to make sure that this is a smooth transition and that things go well.”
And as for what’s next for him, “I have no intention of running for this or any other office,” Schellenberger said, “I’m going to just find a new way.” A new way to continue his passion for serving others, one that won’t involve another campaign.
Because no Republican filed to run, David is now set to become Baltimore County’s next State’s Attorney. FOX45 also reached out to her campaign for an interview, but were told she’s out of town until the end of the week. We hope to speak with her when she returns.
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