By: ALAN SUDERMAN
Examiner Staff Writer
April 2, 2010
A Maryland appeals court has rejected the state's offer of $213.87 to a former inmate who lost his right eye after he was attacked by another inmate.
Instead, the Court of Special Appeals ruled, Marco Neal should be paid $25,000 -- the maximum amount for his injury -- from the state's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
Neal, a former Prince George's County resident, was sleeping in a pre-release center in Jessup when he was attacked, court records show. His right eye was injured during the attack and later had to be removed, records show.
Neal's rap sheet includes multiple convictions for drugs and theft. His attorney, Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center staff attorney Lauren Tabackman, declined to say why Neal was in prison while he was assaulted.
But Tabackman said the reason why Neal was in prison is besides the point, and that Neal was a victim of a crime and was required to be fairly compensated.
A spokesman for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, declined to comment on the case.
The board argued in court that Neal's disability was only temporary, because it had not affected his future earning potential. Instead, it ruled that Neal was due the $213.87 because the injury had sidelined him from his work-release employment for three weeks.
A Prince George's County Circuit Court judge agreed with the board, before the appeals court changed the ruling.
"It was too low, obviously," Tabackman said. She said the court's ruling would help future victims get their fair share from the state's compensation fund.
The General Assembly established the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in 1968 as a way to help repay innocent victims affected by crimes. The fund has paid out more than $100 million, including more than $6.5 million in fiscal 2009. Revenues are generated through court fees.
asuderman@washingtonexaminer.com
Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/State-offer-of-_213-for-lost-eye-rejected-by-appeals-court-89730602.html#ixzz0jxtmtDG8
Mar 29, 2010
MCVRC Appeals Jurisdiction Ruling in Maryland Case
Trial nears in music producer's slaying
Widow will face man accused of killing husband in Lake Arbor
by Liz Skalski | Staff Writer
Less than two months before the trial for her husband's murder is scheduled to begin — and more than three years since he died in her arms near their Lake Arbor home — Danielle Steele Brown is preparing to face the man accused of killing her husband, music producer Raymond Brown, known as "Scottie Beats."
"Having to sit and answer questions and be cross-examined by a group of attorneys who are willing to defend, to me, these monsters — that scares me," said Steele Brown, 37. "[But] I don't have a choice — I have to do this because if I don't, Scottie doesn't have a shot at having justice."
The trial is scheduled to begin May 10 and expected to last approximately three weeks. Jamaal Alexis, 23, of Landover was indicted July 31 on murder charges for Brown's death Oct. 13, 2006, three months after the Browns were married.
Alexis is accused of towing Brown's Chrysler 300 sedan early that morning, then allegedly shooting and killing Brown, 36, as he approached the tow truck.
During the trial, Alexis also be will tried for murder and retaliation for testimony for the October 2008 deaths of Bobby Ennels, 22, of Capitol Heights, an alleged accomplice in Brown's murder who was expected to testify against Alexis as a witness for the prosecution, and friend Anthony Cash III, 22, of Capitol Heights. They were found shot dead in a car in Landover.
In addition, Alexis will be tried for the attempted murder and first-degree assault of a 16-year-old girl who also was in the car.
Alexis is accused of arranging from jail to have Ennels killed by Alexis' brother, Rashadd Alexis, 21, of Landover. Rashadd Alexis was also indicted July 31 in Ennels' and Cash's deaths, as well as charges of attempted murder and first-degree assault of the girl, retaliation for testimony and handgun charges.
Rashadd Alexis' murder trial had been scheduled to begin May 10, but is expected to be delayed, although a new date has not yet been set.
Rashadd Alexis was indicted July 31 on 10 counts, including murder, first-degree assault and retaliation for testimony, among other charges, according to court documents.
Four days before jury selection for Jamaal Alexis' murder trial was scheduled to begin in January, the case was postponed for the seventh time to May to give the defense more time to prepare.
"My life stopped dead in its tracks [that night]. May 10 is the day the wheels start to move again," Steele Brown said. "I will never, ever see [my husband] again, but I don't think I can live with the possibility of them walking away. I know what I had to do as his wife. I wouldn't leave his side when he got shot, and I'm not going to leave his side before the trial is over.
Steele Brown is also fighting for continued representation by a crime victims' attorney during the trial.
In February, Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge William D. Missouri ruled that Steele Brown's crime victims' attorney for the last two years, Jani Tillery of Washington, D.C., would not be allowed to represent her because of jurisdictional limits to her license to practice in Maryland.
On behalf of Steele Brown, the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center Inc. in Upper Marlboro filed a motion after a March 12 hearing requesting that Tillery be reinstated as Steele Brown's representation. A ruling is expected in early April.
Steele Brown said she spent March 6, which would have been her husband's 40th birthday, with his closest friends.
"His birthday is always a beautiful day. I don't remember a March 6 since he's died that hasn't been a beautiful day. It was as if Scottie was smiling down on me," she said.
Steele Brown said she now finds herself thinking about the vacations she and her husband never enjoyed and the children they never had.
"The fact that I am 37 years old and I am no longer married and I don't have a family on my own, all those things I was robbed of. I waited 34 years for him, and he was snatched from me," she said.
Steele Brown said she began dating again a year ago, but it has been difficult because she still loves her husband and has not yet had closure because of the trial delays.
To help get her through the trial, Steele Brown said she is relying on her love for her husband and her faith for strength.
"I know [Raymond is] watching over me. I know God is watching over me," she said.
E-mail Liz Skalski eskalski@gazette.net.
Widow will face man accused of killing husband in Lake Arbor
by Liz Skalski | Staff Writer
Less than two months before the trial for her husband's murder is scheduled to begin — and more than three years since he died in her arms near their Lake Arbor home — Danielle Steele Brown is preparing to face the man accused of killing her husband, music producer Raymond Brown, known as "Scottie Beats."
"Having to sit and answer questions and be cross-examined by a group of attorneys who are willing to defend, to me, these monsters — that scares me," said Steele Brown, 37. "[But] I don't have a choice — I have to do this because if I don't, Scottie doesn't have a shot at having justice."
The trial is scheduled to begin May 10 and expected to last approximately three weeks. Jamaal Alexis, 23, of Landover was indicted July 31 on murder charges for Brown's death Oct. 13, 2006, three months after the Browns were married.
Alexis is accused of towing Brown's Chrysler 300 sedan early that morning, then allegedly shooting and killing Brown, 36, as he approached the tow truck.
During the trial, Alexis also be will tried for murder and retaliation for testimony for the October 2008 deaths of Bobby Ennels, 22, of Capitol Heights, an alleged accomplice in Brown's murder who was expected to testify against Alexis as a witness for the prosecution, and friend Anthony Cash III, 22, of Capitol Heights. They were found shot dead in a car in Landover.
In addition, Alexis will be tried for the attempted murder and first-degree assault of a 16-year-old girl who also was in the car.
Alexis is accused of arranging from jail to have Ennels killed by Alexis' brother, Rashadd Alexis, 21, of Landover. Rashadd Alexis was also indicted July 31 in Ennels' and Cash's deaths, as well as charges of attempted murder and first-degree assault of the girl, retaliation for testimony and handgun charges.
Rashadd Alexis' murder trial had been scheduled to begin May 10, but is expected to be delayed, although a new date has not yet been set.
Rashadd Alexis was indicted July 31 on 10 counts, including murder, first-degree assault and retaliation for testimony, among other charges, according to court documents.
Four days before jury selection for Jamaal Alexis' murder trial was scheduled to begin in January, the case was postponed for the seventh time to May to give the defense more time to prepare.
"My life stopped dead in its tracks [that night]. May 10 is the day the wheels start to move again," Steele Brown said. "I will never, ever see [my husband] again, but I don't think I can live with the possibility of them walking away. I know what I had to do as his wife. I wouldn't leave his side when he got shot, and I'm not going to leave his side before the trial is over.
Steele Brown is also fighting for continued representation by a crime victims' attorney during the trial.
In February, Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge William D. Missouri ruled that Steele Brown's crime victims' attorney for the last two years, Jani Tillery of Washington, D.C., would not be allowed to represent her because of jurisdictional limits to her license to practice in Maryland.
On behalf of Steele Brown, the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center Inc. in Upper Marlboro filed a motion after a March 12 hearing requesting that Tillery be reinstated as Steele Brown's representation. A ruling is expected in early April.
Steele Brown said she spent March 6, which would have been her husband's 40th birthday, with his closest friends.
"His birthday is always a beautiful day. I don't remember a March 6 since he's died that hasn't been a beautiful day. It was as if Scottie was smiling down on me," she said.
Steele Brown said she now finds herself thinking about the vacations she and her husband never enjoyed and the children they never had.
"The fact that I am 37 years old and I am no longer married and I don't have a family on my own, all those things I was robbed of. I waited 34 years for him, and he was snatched from me," she said.
Steele Brown said she began dating again a year ago, but it has been difficult because she still loves her husband and has not yet had closure because of the trial delays.
To help get her through the trial, Steele Brown said she is relying on her love for her husband and her faith for strength.
"I know [Raymond is] watching over me. I know God is watching over me," she said.
E-mail Liz Skalski eskalski@gazette.net.
Jan 5, 2010
Attorney Needed
We are currently looking to fill a Staff Attorney position. No phone calls please. Respond via email to Tabu Morris at tabu@mdcrimevictims.org, and include three professional references.
THE MARYLAND CRIME VICTIMS’ RESOURCE CENTER, INC.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Staff Attorney- Maryland Classification: Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-Time Reports to: Director of Services
Position Summary: This position is responsible for the representation of crime victims’ and other duties as assigned by their supervisor and written into their grants.
Primary Duties and Essential Functions:
Attorney needed to represent crime victims regarding their crime victims’ rights in criminal prosecution
Attorney will respond to incoming requests for legal assistance
Complete legal evaluations
Develop cases
Training
Conduct outreach activities
Provide direct legal representation to victims in criminal cases in trial courts as well as on the appellate level
Other duties as assigned
Experience:
Law degree and bar membership required. Preferred experience with victim services and victims’ rights required. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs a plus.
Salary Range:
- Salary range: $45,000 ($21.63 / hour)- $65,000 ($31.25 / hour)
OVC 2009 Report to the Nation
Several of MCVRC's programs were featured in the The Office for Victims of Crime's 2009 Report to the Nation, which can be found online here: http://tiny.cc/zmOCQ
Dec 2, 2009
Nov 24, 2009
For Immediate Release: November 15, 2009
Contact: Merry O’Brien, Project Director
301-952-0063 or merry@mdcrimevictims.org
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. Announces New Elder Justice Community Coalition
Upper Marlboro, Maryland – The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) is pleased to announce a grant award to support the development of a new, local Elder Justice Community Coalition in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Calvert Counties. The multidisciplinary coalition will seek to improve elder abuse awareness and intervention efforts in the tri-county area. Interested organizations focusing on senior issues are invited to attend and can call Project Director Merry O’Brien at 301-952-0063 for more information.
In July, th
e National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) awarded funding to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) to support the development of local elder abuse prevention networks. The project provides on-site training and technical assistance to organizations developing new elder justice coalitions. The project is supported by a grant (No. 90AM3145) from the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
An application was distributed by NCPEA in late July 2009 to all Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Grantees, as well as to community organizations around the country. Seventy proposals were evaluated by a review committee made up of NCPEA board members. MCVRC was one of 12 organizations selected to receive grants in the amount of $10,000 each as seed money to assist in developing new local multi-disciplinary elder justice networks.
In making the announcement, MCVRC Executive Director Russell P. Butler, stated, “Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center has proven leadership in providing comprehensive services to crime victims throughout Maryland. MCVRC is delighted to partner with the NCEA to bring awareness to elder abuse in our community.”
# # # # #
Contact: Merry O’Brien, Project Director
301-952-0063 or merry@mdcrimevictims.org
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. Announces New Elder Justice Community Coalition
Upper Marlboro, Maryland – The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) is pleased to announce a grant award to support the development of a new, local Elder Justice Community Coalition in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Calvert Counties. The multidisciplinary coalition will seek to improve elder abuse awareness and intervention efforts in the tri-county area. Interested organizations focusing on senior issues are invited to attend and can call Project Director Merry O’Brien at 301-952-0063 for more information.
In July, th
e National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) awarded funding to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) to support the development of local elder abuse prevention networks. The project provides on-site training and technical assistance to organizations developing new elder justice coalitions. The project is supported by a grant (No. 90AM3145) from the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An application was distributed by NCPEA in late July 2009 to all Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Grantees, as well as to community organizations around the country. Seventy proposals were evaluated by a review committee made up of NCPEA board members. MCVRC was one of 12 organizations selected to receive grants in the amount of $10,000 each as seed money to assist in developing new local multi-disciplinary elder justice networks.
In making the announcement, MCVRC Executive Director Russell P. Butler, stated, “Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center has proven leadership in providing comprehensive services to crime victims throughout Maryland. MCVRC is delighted to partner with the NCEA to bring awareness to elder abuse in our community.”
# # # # #
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