Why Bates says a federal case will better hold former Safe Streets worker accountable

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A former Baltimore Safe Streets violence interrupter accused of shooting a man outside a Park Heights gas station will remain in detention after making his initial appearance in federal court, as Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates argued the suspect’s lengthy criminal history made federal prosecution the strongest path to accountability.

Antoine Burton, 51, was initially charged in Baltimore with attempted first- and second-degree murder, assault and multiple firearms offenses after investigators say he shot a man outside a gas station on Park Heights Avenue in June. Surveillance video obtained by FOX45 News captured the shooting.

Earlier this week, however, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office dropped the state charges after the case went federal; Burton is facing penalties for allegedly illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possible probation violations.

In an interview with FOX45 News, Bates said Burton’s criminal record made the federal system better equipped to handle the case.

“When you have an individual with the background of Mr. Burton, it’s called Armed Career Criminal,” Bates said. “If you have three or more felonies, then you can be enhanced.”

== That puts you in a different category where you’re looking at 15 years to life minimum mandatory on just a gun possession, Bates said.

Burton could face decades in federal prison due to the handgun charge, Bates said, adding that a federal sentence carries consequences beyond the time behind bars.

“When you’re found guilty [in Baltimore City], you may go to Cumberland or the Eastern Shore,” Bates said. “On the federal side, you’re going to Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana. You’re not having all those visits. When you look at the penalty, you need to rethink twice, three times before you pick up that handgun.”

At the time of the shooting, Burton worked as a violence interrupter at the Belvedere Safe Streets site operated by LifeBridge Health. Burton was initially placed on unpaid leave, and earlier this week, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, MONSE, confirmed to FOX45 News that Burton is no longer affiliated with Safe Streets.

Bates rejected the notion that Burton’s employment with Safe Streets had anything to do with the decision to take the case federal.

“We would treat anybody the same. What it had to do was the record

“You have that many prior felonies. You want to do life on the installment plan. That’s what it says to me,” Bates said. “And if that’s the case, we’re going to give you what you asked for. But you didn’t ask to be on the state side. You asked to be on the federal side.”

The victim in the case wasn’t thrilled with the decision to drop the state charges, including attempted murder, Bates said.

“We talked to the victim. [The victim] wasn’t the happiest about it,” Bates said. “But at the end of the day, I have a duty not only to the victim, but the community at large.”

Bates emphasized that dismissing the state case does not necessarily mean it is over.

“We still have the opportunity to proceed on the state side if we want, and if the victim wants to,” he said.

Burton remains detained as the federal case moves forward.

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