Judge Gavel Court Justice

Florida man pleads guilty to defrauding Maryland, California of more than $2.3 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—A Florida man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme to defraud Maryland and California of more than $2.3 million in unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. David Godin, 34, of Miami, used stolen identities, virtual private networks and proxy servers to file 140 fraudulent claims in multiple states, according to the […]

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Falls Road Jane Doe 20250327a

29 YEARS LATER: Baltimore County Police Department identifies remains as missing 20-year-old mother

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

TOWSON, MD—Human remains found in a Baltimore County wooded area in 1996 have been identified as those of a 20-year-old mother who disappeared 12 years earlier, the Baltimore County Police Department announced on Thursday. The woman, whose identity had been unknown for more than 29 years and was only known as “Falls Road Jane Doe,” was identified as Leoria Smith, […]

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23andMe

Maryland AG urges 23andMe customers to delete data

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Following the recent bankruptcy filing of genetic information company 23andMe, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has issued a consumer alert, urging Marylanders to consider deleting their accounts with the company to protect their sensitive genetic information. 23andMe, which suffered a data breach last year impacting over seven million customers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company intends to […]

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National Art Education Association

BCPS art educators honored at National Art Education Association convention

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

TOWSON, MD—Three Baltimore County Public Schools visual arts educators were recognized at the National Art Education Association convention in Louisville, KY, March 20-22, with four national honors and one state honor. BCPS has four national NAEA winners for the first time. Pam Ehrenreich of Chesapeake High School received two national awards: National High School-Choice Educator of the Year and National […]

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Gavel Scales Justice Crime

Former Maryland legislative aide pleads guilty to scholarship fund theft

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

UPDATE: Esther Dikongue has been sentenced. Original story below… BALTIMORE, MD—A former legislative aide in the Maryland State Senate pleaded guilty to felony theft scheme on Wednesday for stealing legislative scholarship funds, according to Maryland State Prosecutor Charlton T. Howard III. Esther Dikongue used her position to allocate scholarship funds to herself without authorization from the Senator she worked for. […]

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Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Anniversary 20250325a

ONE YEAR LATER: Baltimore commemorates Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse anniversary

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—City and state officials gathered on Tuesday at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. The event paid tribute to the six victims who lost their lives and honored the first responders and recovery workers who responded to the disaster. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore […]

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Baltimore County Police Department Squad Car Vehicle

18-year-old arrested in connection with Baltimore County double homicide

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County police have arrested and charged an 18-year-old man with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with a double homicide that occurred in January. Markie Cole, 18, was arrested by homicide detectives and is currently being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. The double homicide occurred on January 11, 2025, in the 3400-block of […]

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Friends of Maryland State Parks group awards funds through 2025 ‘Small Grants, Big Impact!’

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Friends of Maryland State Parks have awarded 22 grants, totaling $37,855, to state parks across Maryland, according to a press release. The funds, which are from the organization’s “Small Grants, Big Impact!” program, will support projects that enhance cultural history education, protect dunes, expand recreational access, and promote conservation. This year’s grants increase the program’s funding from $13,619 […]

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