Baltimore County State’s Attorney

What’s the job: The local prosecutor in Baltimore and each of Maryland’s 23 counties. Responsible for the investigation and prosecution of crimes. Provides support services for crime victims and witnesses. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Sarah R. David

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Lauren Lipscomb

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Scott Shellenberger

Age: 67

Personal: I have lived in Baltimore County my entire life. I went to Loch Raven High School, Loyola College and The University of Baltimore School of Law. I raised my 2 daughters in Baltimore County. I started in the State’s Attorneys Office as a 23 year old law clerk. Once I was Maryland Barred to practice law I was in Court prosecuting criminal cases. In my first stay in The Office I was here 11 years becoming the head of The Sex Offense Unit. In 2006, I decided to follow my dream and run for State’s Attorney. I was elected in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2118 and 2022. I hope to receive your vote in 2026.

Education: Loch Raven High School

Loyola College, Bachelor of Arts andThe University of Baltimore School of Law, Juris Doctor.

Experience: State’s Attorney for Baltimore County. 2007 to present.

The Law Office of Peter Angelos. 1994 to 2006.The Baltimore County State’s Attorney Office. 1982 to 1993. K Mart 1977 to 1982. Father’s Drug Store Walther Pharmacy.

Questionnaire

Q: What training, experience and qualities make you suited for this job?

A: 19 years leading this office overseeing 65 Attorneys and 90 Support Staff. Preparing and staying within our budget and advocating in Annapolis for good laws for victims of crime and laws to hold defendants accountable.

Q: What do you see as the number one issue facing the state’s attorney’s office, and how do you plan to address it?

A: Having more staff to prepare the cases. We are currently in the Budget process trying to get more staff.

Q: Do you think the perception of crime in the county matches reality, and what can you do about that?

A: Violent crime is down. 2025 we had only 28 Murders. That was the lowest in 5 years. Nonfatal shootings fell over the last 4 years. With those low numbers you are safe here in Baltimore County. Yet the press emphasizes every case and makes it seem worse than it is.

Q: What changes or modernization would you make in the state’s attorney’s office?

A: I always want to add more staff. The office is very modern with advanced technology both at our desks and in the Courtrooms.

Q: What is your plan to deal with juvenile crime in the county, and will you pursue more restorative or retributive forms of justice for those under the age of 18?

A: We prosecute violent juveniles as adults when the law permits. In the Juvenile system, they need more programs to help the juveniles when they commit non-violent crimes to get them help so we don’t continue to see them committing more crime.