LEONARDTOWN, Md. — As 2024 comes to a close, St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling is highlighting a year marked by transformative progress in public safety, victim advocacy, and community outreach. In her second year leading the State’s Attorney’s Office, Sterling emphasized justice, transparency, and collaboration as the cornerstones of her administration’s accomplishments.
Among the office’s most significant achievements in 2024 was securing $683,076 in grant funding to expand resources for victims of crime and to support the prosecution of gun violence cases. This additional funding brought the total grant money obtained during Sterling’s tenure to $1.5 million. These funds were used to address critical needs, including mental health services for crime victims, the addition of a Spanish-speaking advocate, and the launch of an emotional support animal program.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure victims have access to the care and support they need while advancing the tools and resources our office requires to prosecute violent crimes effectively,” the press release stated in reflecting on the year’s achievements.
Legislative Advocacy Pushes Public Safety Forward
The State’s Attorney’s Office also saw significant progress in legislative reform in 2024. Sterling played a central role in advocating for measures designed to strengthen public safety and deter crime.
One of the year’s standout legislative victories was the passage of Noah’s Law, which introduced stricter penalties for impaired driving. Sterling provided testimony before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee, underscoring the importance of deterring dangerous behaviors that put lives at risk.
Another notable accomplishment was the passage of a law criminalizing indecent exposure in the presence of minors. The new measure, which Sterling strongly supported, now carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
However, not every initiative advanced as far as hoped. Jamari’s Law, a proposed bill to increase the maximum sentence for vehicular manslaughter from 10 to 20 years, passed in the Maryland Senate but stalled in the House. Sterling pledged to renew efforts to push the legislation forward in the next session, working alongside advocacy organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Focusing on Victims and Families
Sterling’s administration placed a strong emphasis on victim-centered support in 2024. Using newly secured grant funds, the office expanded the Victim Services Division to include tailored programs for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
This year, the office also hosted the 34th Annual Memorial Service for Maryland Crime Victims, providing a space for families to honor their loved ones and connect with others who have experienced similar losses. Events like these reflect the office’s ongoing commitment to empowering victims and their families.
Building Community Trust Through Outreach
Beyond courtroom achievements, Sterling’s office broke records for community outreach initiatives in 2024. Programs like Project Graduation, a substance-free celebration for high school seniors, and Badges for Basketball, which connects youth with law enforcement in a fun and supportive environment, demonstrated a proactive approach to community engagement.
Additional efforts included participating in Shop with a Cop events to help children prepare for back-to-school and holiday seasons, as well as collaborating with law enforcement on National Night Out and the Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Sterling’s team also took part in the St. Mary’s Splash for Special Olympics, fielding an office team to support local athletes. These initiatives reflect her office’s mission to build trust and foster positive relationships within the community.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Sterling reflects on the accomplishments of 2024, she is already looking ahead to new challenges and opportunities in the coming year. Continuing to advocate for stalled legislation like Jamari’s Law, expanding resources for crime victims, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations remain among her top priorities.
“Our progress this year has been significant, but there is still much work to be done. Together, we can build on this momentum and create an even safer, stronger St. Mary’s County in 2025,” Sterling’ press release stated in a year-end message.
