In a controversial move, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) Secretary Vincent Schiraldi has appointed Joel Caston, a convicted murderer, to a senior administrative position within the agency. Caston, who served 26 years for a first-degree murder conviction, now holds the role of special advisor on the newly formed Core Innovation Team at DJS.
Caston’s appointment, which began in January 2023, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about rehabilitation and second chances in the criminal justice system. According to the DJS website and Caston’s LinkedIn profile, his role involves collaborating on strategies to enhance youth rehabilitation and community engagement within the state’s youth corrections system.
“I’m focused on driving meaningful change within our system,” Caston stated on his LinkedIn profile. “My role involves collaborating on forward-thinking strategies that enhance youth rehabilitation and community engagement.”
Court records show that Caston, now 48, was convicted in 1996 for the fatal shooting of Rafique Washington in Southeast Washington, D.C. He was 18 at the time of the incident. Caston has maintained his innocence in subsequent court filings.
This is not Caston’s first appointment to a public position since his release. He previously served on the District of Columbia Sentencing Commission, an appointment that drew criticism from U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. In a letter opposing Caston’s appointment, Graves expressed concerns about the appropriateness of having a former convict in such a role, despite acknowledging Caston’s work while incarcerated.
Caston’s appointment at DJS has reportedly caused unrest among some department employees, with sources familiar with the matter expressing concern over the hiring of a convicted felon for a senior position. Questions have been raised about the hiring qualifications and background check requirements for senior positions within DJS, especially given the stringent checks required for other roles within the department.
The appointment also highlights the complex relationship between Caston and key figures in juvenile justice reform. Social media posts show Caston interacting with DJS leadership and even Governor Wes Moore. Additionally, Caston has ties to the Justice Policy Institute, a nonprofit advocacy group co-founded by Secretary Schiraldi.
As of now, neither Joel Caston, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, nor Governor Wes Moore’s office have responded to requests for comment on the state’s policy regarding the hiring of convicted felons for senior leadership positions in youth detention facilities.
Credit: Fox 45