Nearly $800K Approved To Help Crime Victims Across St. Mary’s County

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County unanimously approved a nearly $800,000 victim services program at the June 23 meeting, accepting a $496,216 grant award that will allow the State’s Attorney’s Office to continue providing advocacy and support services to victims of crime throughout the county.

The funding, awarded through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program, will support the State’s Attorney’s Office Victim Advocacy Program from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Combined with required county matching funds, the total program budget will reach $794,132.

“I’m very excited and proud to announce that we have been awarded once again the Victims of Crime Act grant,” State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling told commissioners during the June 23 meeting.

Grant Supports Victims Across St. Mary’s County

The grant will allow the State’s Attorney’s Office to continue operating its Victim Advocacy Division, which assists victims of crime by providing information, resources and support throughout criminal cases.

According to grant documents, the program seeks to improve victim stability and safety, increase access to services and empower victims to have a stronger voice within the criminal justice system.

Sterling said the funding will support six full-time victim advocacy positions while partially funding the office’s director of victim advocacy.

The office originally requested $523,878 in state funding for FY2027 but ultimately received $496,216.

The Governor’s Office reduced funding in two areas: mental health services for victims and a portion of the director’s salary and benefits.

Victim Advocates Serve As Court Liaisons

Commissioners asked how the victim advocacy staff assists residents.

Sterling explained that victim-witness coordinators act as a bridge between victims and the criminal justice system.

“Anytime there are victims of crime, which is essentially 100 percent of the cases that we handle, then you have a liaison,” Sterling said.

Victim advocates notify victims of court appearances, explain legal proceedings, answer questions, coordinate meetings with prosecutors and connect individuals with outside resources.

Services can include assistance with the Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, referrals for counseling, coordination with community agencies and guidance regarding restitution.

“We want to be able to provide them with services, coordinate them with outside agencies if they’re requiring something like mental health treatment, or if they have questions about other services they need,” Sterling said.

The unit currently consists of six grant-funded staff members plus a director whose position is jointly funded by the county and grant dollars.

Mental Health Funding Eliminated

One of the most significant changes in the FY2027 award involved the elimination of grant funding for victim mental health services.

Sterling said previous grants have funded therapeutic services and even comfort programs involving therapy animals.

“We’ve had puppies, and we’ve had a bunny,” Sterling said.

This year, however, those services were not included in the approved award.

Victims may still access counseling through insurance or organizations such as the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, but Sterling acknowledged the loss of funding could affect available services.

“If this is a service that the grants are not going to cover from here on out, it may be something that we will consider adding into our budget,” she said.

County Match Increases Slightly

The reduction in grant funding increased the county’s required contribution toward the program.

Grant documents show the original county match totaled $290,254. Because the state reduced its share of the director’s position from 40 percent to 30 percent, the county match increased to $297,916.

The difference amounts to an additional $7,662 in county funding.

Most of the county contribution had already been included in the State’s Attorney’s FY2027 budget request.

County officials noted that health insurance savings for filled positions may help offset some of the additional costs.

A budget amendment approved by commissioners adjusts both state revenue and county funding to reflect the final grant award and personnel costs.

Looking Ahead

Commissioner Mike Alderson asked whether the funding reductions represented a temporary adjustment or a longer-term trend that could require additional county support in future years.

Sterling said the office may consider fully funding the director position locally in future budgets to demonstrate the county’s commitment to the program and strengthen future grant applications.

“I think it would probably be wise of us to fully fund our director for next year,” Sterling said.

She noted that although St. Mary’s County is considered a medium-sized jurisdiction, it receives one of the larger VOCA awards in Maryland relative to its population.

“I want to make sure that we have all the tools we need,” Alderson said.

Unanimous Approval

Following the discussion, commissioners unanimously approved the FY2027 GOCPP Victims of Crime Act grant award and authorized Commissioner President Randy Guy to execute all related documents.

The original grant application was approved by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County on March 3, 2026.

The grant award, identified as VOCG-2027-0030, will become effective July 1 and will continue funding victim advocacy services through June 30, 2027.

Watch the full video below at 4:53:

“6/23/26 Commissioners of St. Mary’s County” | Video By: St. Mary’s County Government

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