BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — During a townhall Monday, Baltimore County leaders heard from residents and several public safety concerns in Towson, including juvenile crime. While lawmakers acknowledge that local leaders are working to address the issue, some point the finger toward Annapolis, and legislation they argue will make it harder for juveniles to be held accountable.
“The police are doing what they can, but unfortunately the politicians in Annapolis have made their job harder,” said Delegate Kathy Szeliga, who represents Baltimore County.
Szeliga is referring to the Youth Charging Reform Act, which was signed into law this past session. The legislation ends the automatic charging of juveniles as adults who are facing certain offenses, including first degree assault, as well as some drug and weapons charges; instead, the legislation starts the cases in the juvenile court system.
“This is a revolving door, we really need to address this crime problem in Towson, it’s affecting the people that live there first and foremost, but it’s affecting the businesses, it’s even going to affect property, the price of property,” Szeliga said.
ALSO READ | Baltimore County residents press leaders on juvenile crime, car theft & aggressive driving
“We need folks, politicians across the region to say there really is a problem, and not put their head in the sand and say it’s just perception, this isn’t perception, there’s really a crime problem going on,” she added.
During the town hall Monday, the new law came up during the discussion. While DJS Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino argues that the majority of juvenile cases with handgun charges find their way back to the juvenile system. She said having the cases start in the juvenile system ensures the juveniles get the proper services they need. However, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger pushed back on the law saying it increases the burden for State’s Attorney’s Offices.
Across County lines, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said juvenile crime remains a “significant public safety challenge.”
In a press conference last week, Baltimore officials announced that five juveniles and three adults are facing charges, including murder and other violent offenses, in a multi-jurisdictional takedown. Five juveniles and three adults are charged with first degree murder, carjacking, robbery with a deadly weapon, and more.
ALSO READ | Inside a Baltimore crime ring takedown: Murder, carjacking charges filed
In a statement, in-part, City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said, “What is particularly significant is that, because of the timing of these arrests, these cases will begin in the adult criminal justice system and be handled by our experienced Homicide Division. Had these same offenses occurred next year, many of these defendants would have automatically started in the juvenile system under Maryland’s new automatic charging law. The severity of these allegations demands a response that prioritizes accountability, public safety, and justice for victims. Our prosecutors have the experience and expertise necessary to handle these complex and violent cases, and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners across jurisdictions to ensure those responsible are held accountable. This case serves as a stark reminder that juvenile violence requires a coordinated statewide response.”
On Monday, Tolentino said DJS was working to make sure the best strategies were in place to both hold juveniles accountable and make sure they are receiving the proper interventions.
“We are holding young people accountable and rebuilding the Department of Juvenile Services that have more interventions to help our young people ahead of bad things happening to disrupt behaviors before they impact community,” Fox Tolentino said.
“Sometimes the perception is much worse, much worse than the reality, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not something that we should address. Just so you know, last year Baltimore County had a five year low in homicides,” Shellenberger said.
Local Story
