Local reporting on crime, public safety, neighborhood disputes, and the cases shaping communities across Maryland.
From squatter controversies and property-rights battles to breaking police incidents, theft trends, arson investigations, and community safety concerns, Property & Crime delivers fast, accurate, independent coverage of the issues affecting Maryland neighborhoods every day.
This desk focuses on the real-world stories that hit closest to home:
- Property disputes and squatter cases
- Burglaries, robberies, and major thefts
- Violent crime and high-risk incidents
- Police reports and public safety updates
- Fire, arson, and emergency response
- Neighborhood conflicts and nuisance cases
- Housing-related crime trends
- Court proceedings linked to property or criminal cases
We report the facts clearly — without sensationalism — providing communities with timely, reliable information and context that other outlets overlook or underreport.
Whether it’s a case shaking a small Maryland town or a major criminal investigation drawing statewide attention, Property & Crime keeps residents informed, aware, and empowered.
Your community. Your safety. Your right to know.
Moore Signs Glock Ban — And Maryland Taxpayers May Fund the Lawsuit That Kills It
Maryland’s SB 334, signed by Governor Wes Moore, bans the sale and transfer of Glock-style pistols, citing concerns over “Glock switches.” Gun rights organizations promptly filed a federal lawsuit, arguing the law is unconstitutional and punishes legal owners for criminal misuse. The outcome of this legal battle remains uncertain.
Baltimore’s $75,000 Spin Doctor Went to War With a Restaurant Website
Baltimore’s rapid response press secretary, Jonas Poggi, publicly criticized a misleading social media post about the city’s crime ranking while ignoring the alarming FBI data showing Baltimore’s violent crime rate is 2,175% above the national average. The mayor’s communications strategy focuses on selective metrics, compromising transparency and accountability.
Maryland’s Juvenile Crime Wave: What the Numbers Actually Show — and Who’s Responsible
Violent offenses involving minors have surged across Maryland since 2019. From Montgomery County to Washington’s suburbs, a mix of COVID disruption, weakened accountability systems, and social media coordination is fueling a new juvenile crime crisis.
Swastika on Campaign Sign Triggers Homeland Security Review as Maryland Antisemitism Incidents Mount
A campaign sign for Prince George’s County Executive candidate Greg Holmes was vandalized with hate symbols, prompting an investigation by Homeland Security. This incident highlights a rising trend of antisemitic acts in Maryland. Holmes condemned the vandalism as a serious crime and emphasized community support against such hatred amidst ongoing local tensions.
Maryland’s Protective Order System Has Failed Before. It Will Again.
Three deaths across Maryland reveal a dangerous pattern: courts identify credible threats, respond with protective orders, and fail to stop the violence that follows.
Baltimore Got Safer. Maryland Didn’t.
Governor Wes Moore’s reelection campaign touts a “44% drop” in statewide homicides, largely attributed to Baltimore City improvements. However, crime data reveals stagnant or rising rates elsewhere in Maryland, with increases in property crime and auto theft. Critics argue that Moore’s claims obscure a more complex and troubling crime landscape across the state.
Congress Demands D.C. Crime Data Records — And Maryland Should Be Asking the Same Questions
The House Oversight Committee has confirmed allegations that the Metropolitan Police Department manipulated crime statistics to present a falsely safe D.C. Baltimore faces similar scrutiny, with a long history of inaccurate crime data affecting public perception and safety. Both cities need accountability to ensure reliable crime reporting practices.
They Knew — And Didn’t: The Warning That Came Too Late, and the Sister Who Was Already in Maryland
A manifesto sent too late. A sister who saw the signs. A system that never connected the dots. New reporting reveals the warning failures behind Saturday night’s assassination attempt in Washington.
The Dinner Was Over When the Perimeter Broke: A Security Autopsy of the WHCD Shooting
A gunman didn’t just fire shots at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner — he exposed a deeper failure. This security autopsy breaks down how the perimeter collapsed, why it mattered, and what it says about protecting the highest levels of government.
Maryland Just Made It Harder to Charge Violent Teens as Adults. Prosecutors Across the State Opposed It.
The Youth Charging Reform Act passed the Maryland House of Delegates and is set for Governor Moore’s signature. This law raises the age for automatic adult charges from 14 to 16 for most offenses and aims to improve racial justice. However, prosecutors warn the juvenile system may not cope with increased cases. The law becomes…
She Slipped the Cuffs, Fought Two Officers, Drove Impaired — Then Walked Away Clean. Years Later, Under Oath, She Said She Didn’t Remember.
A deposition revealed that attorney Sarah Hornbeck admitted under oath to a 2018 DUI arrest and a guilty plea, contradicting her legal filings. Despite her claims, the records raise concerns about probation violations and her inconsistent memory regarding significant incidents, all occurring amid an ongoing custody dispute.
Navy Commander Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cyberstalking in Maryland Case
A U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, Jason Michael Leidel, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for a prolonged cyberstalking campaign against his ex-wife and her boyfriend. His actions, including false allegations and attempts to sabotage their livelihoods, illustrate how digital harassment can escalate into serious criminal behavior, warranting federal prosecution.
El Salvadorian Illegal Alien Charged with Assaulting Federal Officers in Maryland
Federal prosecutors in Maryland have charged an El Salvadorian national who is in the United States illegally with assaulting federal officers during an enforcement encounter. The case underscores growing concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety.
Three Baltimore Police Officers Indicted in Wage Theft and Fraud Cases
Three Baltimore police officers have been indicted on multiple charges, including theft and misconduct, highlighting ongoing issues of accountability within the department. Despite reform efforts, challenges persist, raising concerns about effective oversight. These allegations affect public trust in the police, as residents worry about the management of taxpayer money and enduring corruption.
How Criminal Charges Can Be Filed in Maryland Without a Judge
In Maryland, criminal charges often begin with District Court commissioners who issue charging documents without both parties present. This ex parte system, aimed at rapid processing, allows complaints to be filed quickly, but raises concerns about reliance on one-sided information. Critics question the lack of thorough evidentiary review before charges are issued.
Maryland Lawmakers Push Tougher Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution Causing Death
Maryland lawmakers are advancing “Victoria, Scottie, Ashleigh, and Yader’s Law,” which seeks to impose tougher penalties on individuals distributing heroin or fentanyl that leads to fatalities or serious injuries. Proposed sentences could reach up to 20 years, aiming to deter drug trafficking amid a growing opioid crisis affecting the state.
Maryland Lawmakers Consider Expanding Use of Genetic Genealogy to Solve Cold Cases
Maryland lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 678 to refine the use of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases. The proposed legislation seeks to clarify affidavit requirements for investigators while maintaining strict privacy protections. Supporters argue it balances justice for victims with privacy concerns, as genetic genealogy has proven effective in resolving long-unsolved violent crimes.
Illegal Alien Sentenced in Major SNAP Fraud Scheme Targeting Maryland Taxpayers
A Mexican national, Alexander Morales-Martinez, was sentenced for his role in a scheme that defrauded the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using stolen identities. Federal prosecutors highlight concerns over increasing fraud in assistance programs due to weak oversight, prompting calls for improved verification and enforcement against organized crime.
Baltimore SAO Announces Guilty Plea in Federal Hill Bouncer Assault Case
The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office announced a guilty plea in the Federal Hill bouncer assault case. While prosecutors call it accountability, the suspended sentence raises broader public safety questions for a city still fighting to rebuild trust in its justice system.
Repeat Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation — Hard Questions for Maryland
A repeat sex offender in Maryland has pleaded guilty to producing child sexual abuse material, highlighting the risks posed by individuals with prior convictions. This case raises concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring and protecting children from repeat predators. The justice system must prioritize public safety over rehabilitation in such instances.