Marilyn Mosby, the former State’s Attorney for Baltimore, has accused her successor, Ivan Bates, of filing a professional complaint against her concerning the high-profile Adnan Syed case. This case gained significant attention through the podcast "Serial," which explored the conviction of Syed, who has always maintained his innocence.
During a recent episode of "Native Land Pod," Mosby characterized Bates' actions as unprecedented, stating that he filed the complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland. She highlighted her office's decision to vacate Syed's conviction and subsequently drop the charges against him, a move she stands by as justified.
Mosby also mentioned that Bates has lodged a similar complaint against Becky Feldman, a former Assistant State's Attorney who led the Sentencing Review Unit. She accused Bates of engaging in political maneuvering, drawing a parallel to the tactics of former President Donald Trump.
James Bentley, a spokesperson for the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office, confirmed that Bates is unable to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Maryland Bar Counsel Thomas DeGonia II stated that any complaints filed are confidential and therefore cannot be disclosed.
Mosby, who served as the city's top prosecutor from 2015 until 2023, was recently convicted in federal court on charges of perjury and making false statements related to financial matters. Despite her legal troubles, the Maryland Supreme Court has allowed her to continue practicing law while she appeals her convictions.
Feldman criticized Bates for reversing his stance on Syed’s case after taking office, claiming he ignored relevant facts to support his new position. She expressed concern about becoming collateral damage in what she described as Bates' politically motivated attacks.
Adnan Syed was convicted in 2000 for the murder of Hae Min Lee, his ex-girlfriend, and was sentenced to life plus 30 years. After a reevaluation of the case in 2022, Mosby’s office moved to vacate his conviction, citing failures in the prosecution's handling of evidence. A judge subsequently released Syed from prison, but the Maryland Supreme Court later reinstated his conviction.
Although Bates abandoned the motion to throw out Syed’s conviction, he supported a request for resentencing under the Juvenile Restoration Act, which allows individuals who committed crimes as minors to have their sentences reviewed. A judge eventually granted Syed's motion, reducing his sentence to time served.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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