A Year In Review: Building On Progress, State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling’s Second Year

LEONARDTOWN, Md. – St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling reflects on the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office’s continued commitment to justice, transparency, and community engagement.

Secured $683,076 in Grant Funding: In Sterling’s second year, the Office successfully secured $683,076 in grant funding for victim services and concentrated gun violence prosecution, bringing the grand total to $1,525,469 in federal and state grants obtained by Sterling’s team since 2023.

Record Convictions and Sentencing Milestones: Significant convictions and sentences, ensuring justice for victims and our community.

A Call for Stronger Laws: Legislative efforts focused on greater protections for children and strengthening penalties to deter drunk driving.

• Noah’s Law (House Bill 105): Sterling testified in the House Judiciary Committee for the passage of Noah’s Law, emphasizing the critical need for stricter penalties to deter impaired driving. The successful passage of the law signifies a pivotal step forward to improving public safety.
• Indecent Exposure Within the Presence of a Minor (Senate Bill 130/House Bill 5): Sterling submitted written testimony in strong support of the law, which passed this year. The new law criminalizes the act of indecent exposure in the presence of a minor and if convicted, the offender faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
• Jamari’s Law (Senate Bill 26/House Bill 264): In memory of Jamari Duckett, State’s Attorney Sterling spearheaded legislative efforts to double the maximum penalty for vehicular manslaughter from 10 years to 20 years in prison. Although the bill unanimously passed through the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Senate, the bill was held up in the House. Sterling has teamed up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)and will continue to strenuously advocate for Jamari’s Law during the upcoming legislative session.

Ongoing Commitment to Victim Empowerment and Care: The Victim Services Division of the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, in just its second year, utilized grant funding to expand resources available to crime victims, to include a Spanish-speaking advocate, an emotional support animal program, and contractual mental health services to ensure victims from all backgrounds receive tailored support and effective communication.

This year, the Office hosted the 34^th Annual Memorial Service for Maryland Crime Victims and their families from Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties to provide a safe and supportive space for families of crime victims to share their stories and honor the memories of their loved ones.

Community Outreach Initiatives: The Office hosted and participated in a record number of community outreach initiatives. Some highlights include:

• Spearheading the 40^th annual Project Graduation,in conjunction with numerous community and law enforcement partners, to provide a safe, alcohol- and drug-free, and memorable celebration for recent graduates from all the St. Mary’s County public and private high schools.
• Hosting the second ever Badges for Basketball in St. Mary’s County in partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Basketball Breakfast Club, and Maryland State Police.
• Leading the second annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Kickball game with our community and law enforcement partners.
• Participating in the 21^st annual Shop with a Cop back-to-school and Christmas events.
• Taking part in National Night Out with our law enforcement partners.
• Fielding an office team for the St. Mary’s Splash for Special Olympics in support of our co-worker, Special Olympian Bailey Mewhinney, and his friends.
• Joining law enforcement partners for the Torch Run for Special Olympics.

A Year in Review: As 2024 draws to a close, State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling and the incredibly dedicated team at the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office reaffirms its unwavering dedication to justice, innovation, and the safety of our County. With sincere appreciation, State’s Attorney Sterling is grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. Together, we will continue to build on this year’s progress towards a safer St. Mary’s County.