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By
Mark McNeill
- June 26, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Jaleisia Offer, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree child abuse for her involvement in the death of her son, six-year-old Brian Graham, who died from blunt force trauma. As part of a plea agreement, she was sentenced to 15 years, suspending all but 10 years. The sentences will run concurrently.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Videtta A. Brown expressed concern over the plea deal. However, after reviewing the law and confirming that both parties remained in agreement, Judge Brown said she was legally bound to follow through with the sentencing she had committed to in March.
The court received three victim impact letters, two of which were read aloud. They described Brian as a joyful, deeply loved child and criticized the system for failing him. They pointed to missed home checks and follow-ups, despite the state’s being aware of ongoing abuse allegations.
Judge Brown directed pointed criticism at Offer, stating she showed no remorse.
“You are just as culpable as Mr. Wheatley,” she said, referencing Offer’s fiancé, who was found guilty of first-degree child abuse in March. “If I could give you more time, I would.”
Offer will receive credit for approximately 10 months and three days of time served, dating back to her incarceration on Aug. 23, 2024. Upon release, she must serve three years of supervised probation with conditions, including no unsupervised contact with her other son and completion of a parenting course. Any probation violations will be monitored by Judge Catherine Chen.
Tensions were high between the victim’s family and the prosecution. Several relatives said that they were not consulted about the plea agreement, despite the prosecution’s claim that the family was involved in the process. Family members expressed frustration, saying the system failed Brian and that prosecutors seemed more focused on closing the case than seeking justice.
“To them, Brian was just a number,” one relative said.