Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office to receive grant to fight violent crime

The Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office is slated to receive a $534,126 grant to help fight violent crimes, drug trafficking and gang-related activities in the county. State’s Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr., seen here, said of the grant, “This is probably one of the more consequential grants you’ll probably encounter.” Jeffrey F. Bill/staff

The Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office is slated to receive a $534,126 grant to help fight violent crime, drug trafficking and gang-related activities in the county.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners unanimously approved on Thursday a request by the state’s attorney’s office to submit the fiscal 2026 Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network grant application and ultimately accept the funding.

The $534,126 includes $526,246 from the state, along with a county match of $7,880.

“This is probably one of the more consequential grants you’ll probably encounter,” Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker said.

The Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network is a statewide initiative that fosters collaboration and information sharing among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime, specifically targeting gangs, drug trafficking, firearm crimes and human trafficking.

“Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office is one of 15 sites across Maryland that prioritizes the prosecution of criminal networks operating within the county, including drug trafficking organizations,” said Elizabeth Camuti, the felony narcotics prosecutor with the state’s attorney’s office. “The goal is to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that help to drive the opioid overdoses.”

The county has been part of the network since 2020.

“This is a key element to the governor’s crime-fighting strategy for the state,” Camuti said. “One of the goals is coordination and collaboration among public safety… agencies to provide a statewide crime-fighting strategy to, as I said, identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal operations.”

Camuti said they meet monthly with the governor’s office to share information, goals and strategies.

Commissioners’ President Ken Kiler, who represents District 2, described the $7,880 cost to the county as a “pretty good bang for your buck.”

District 5 Commissioner Ed Rothstein praised the program.

“This is what right looks like,” he said. “We live in a tough time, but you are doing really well with this. I appreciate it.”

District 3 Commissioner Tom Gordon III agreed.

“I greatly appreciate all the hard work you all do, and all the other agencies do to keep us safe,” he said. “I think sometimes people forget the fact that yes, we’re very safe, but it’s because of things like this and the people behind it.”

Specifically, the grant money will fund a senior assistant state’s attorney and a crime analyst. They will oversee investigations, prosecutions and provide reports to the governor’s office.

The grant application also includes requests for data software, surveillance equipment, training and overtime money for local law enforcement agencies that include the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and the Westminster Police Department.

Have a news tip? Contact Sherry Greenfield at [e-mail], 240-315-7029.