Thursday, August 12, 2010

Maryland Gets First "Gang" Conviction

2007 Law Enhances Penalties for Gang Connection

The Maryland Gang Prosecution Act, enacted in 2007, received its first test in a Maryland courtroom. This week a Baltimore jury convicted Dajuan Marshall of participating in a gang resulting in death along with his conviction for murder and kidnapping.

The gang conviction could add 20 more years to his sentence and a fine of up to $100,000. The law calls for enhanced penalties if prosecutors prove that an underlying crime, such as murder, contributed to a criminal, gang conspiracy.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Marshall killed rival gang members who belonged to a different set of the Bloods. Prosecutors said Marshall "wanted to run the Bloods' gang in Baltimore and saw (one of his victims) as an obstacle."

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley told the Sun he was proud to have signed the act into law, saying it was "yet another tool for Maryland prosecutors to put individuals who terrorize our neighborhoods behind bars."

To read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-gang-conviction-20100809,0,2714594.story

No comments:

Post a Comment