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News Wrap: Former Prosecutor Blames Mosby for Increase in Violence; White House Initiative on Heroin

State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announcing BFED earlier this month.
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State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announcing BFED earlier this month.

Roya Hanna, a former Baltimore prosecutor, is publicly blaming Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby for the increase in the city's crime. In a piece for the Baltimore Sun, Hanna wrote that Mosby has contributed to the 200-plus homicides Baltimore has seen so far this year. 

Hanna also appeared on Fox News' The Kelly File last night, saying that the murder rate increased while Mosby’s office did nothing. “As a prosecutor she is weak, as a CEO she is wasteful. And as a lawyer, she unfortunately just doesn’t know the law,” Hanna told Fox. “Those three things, combined with her inexperience, have really created an untenable situation.”

An article in the Sun this morning, titled "Attack on Mosby is misleading and unfair," counters Hanna's op-ed. Julie Drake, also a former Baltimore City prosecutor and division chief, writes that Hanna's claims do not provide clear evidence and are therefore misleading.

Addressing Hanna's criticism of Mosby's decision to charge the police officers with the death of Freddie Gray, which Hanna said fueled Baltimore's surge in crime because officers are now afraid to act aggressively, Drake writes: "However, even if the charges were determined to have a chilling effect on the police, that would be irrelevant to Ms. Mosby's duty as a prosecutor. Her most important ethical responsibility is to do justice. Assuming Mosby followed the dictates of her conscience with respect to each of the charges, she satisfied her most important obligation."

Hogan Stands by Top Housing Official Despite Remarks On Lead Poisoning

According to the Washington Post, Governor Larry Hogan is standing by Kenneth Holt, the secretary of Housing and Community Development who suggested that mothers might intentionally poison their children with lead in order to get free housing. Holt made the controversial remarks at the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference on Friday. The Post reports that Holt issued an apology the next day, and on Monday the agency released a statement that the secretary would not step down — despite a call from 30 Democrats to resign.

Ravens Security Director On Trial for Sexual Assault

The trial for Darren Sanders, director of security for the Baltimore Ravens, is underway.  A jury was picked yesterday. Sanders has been accused of groping a female worker last year after a game at M&T Bank Stadium. Sanders is denying the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to a fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault charges. 

City Seeking Bids For Trash Can Program 

Baltimore is seeking bids for a citywide trash can program. Under the plan, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says the city is looking to purchase 210,000 of the heavy duty, 64-gallon cans with attached lids and wheels. Every eligible household will get one free-of-charge. She says a pilot program last year resulted in a 75 percent reduction in rat extermination calls and fewer injuries to workers. 

New White House Initiative On Heroin Abuse Will Help Baltimore 

The Office of National Drug Control Policy announced yesterday that it will spend about $5 million dollars to reduce the trafficking, distribution and use of heroin in high-trafficking areas, including in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The initiative aims to help addicts get treatment, as well as locate where the drug is coming from and who is dealing it. More than 190 people in Baltimore died from heroin overdose last year and nearly 600 died statewide, an increase of 25 percent.  

O's Double Up A's, Complete Sweep 

Chris Tillman fired seven innings of two-run ball to help guide the Orioles past the A's, 4-2, and complete a four-game sweep at Camden Yards. Tillman improved to 9-and-7 with the win, while Zach Britton closed the door on his 29th save. Steve Clevenger belted a three-run homer and Caleb Joseph added an RBI double to help the O's move to 61-and-56.

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