Investigation Underway in Baltimore Witness Leak Amid Defense Denials

Baltimore prosecutors have launched an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of documents related to a witness in a significant murder-for-hire case. The inquiry follows the appearance of these confidential records in a YouTube video, which identified local rapper Keith Ambush, known as YNE Sosa, as a government witness against defendants Keith Brian Russell and Cornell Moore.

The video, which has since been set to private, garnered over 50,000 views before its removal, prompting widespread discussion across social media platforms.

During a court session on Friday, Assistant State’s Attorney Jeffrey Maylor highlighted the impact of the leak, noting that discussions about the case have permeated jail calls. In response, prosecutors requested an emergency hearing to interrogate defense attorneys regarding potential violations of a court order that mandated confidentiality for such materials.

However, Circuit Court Judge Robert Taylor Jr. first directed attention to the prosecution's own security measures, expressing concern over the lack of watermarks on the documents in question. Both defense attorneys, Natalie Finegar and Brandon Taylor, firmly denied any involvement in leaking or sharing the documents.

Judge Taylor expressed his dismay over the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the case and the potential consequences for those involved. “This is about people’s lives. This isn’t just about a YouTube video. People get killed over things like this,” he stated.

The judge also raised concerns about the implications of pretrial publicity on jury selection. Although prosecutors sought to seal the courtroom for the hearing, the request was denied by Judge Taylor.

Russell and Moore, both aged 40, are facing trial this fall on charges related to a murder-for-hire scheme linked to a series of shootings and homicides between 2020 and 2022. Russell has a prior conviction for a related homicide in Baltimore County. Originally scheduled for trial in May, the case was postponed due to scheduling conflicts, with a new trial date set for January 2027.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).