Dolphin Street Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Deal 

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On Aug. 16, a 43-year-old defendant charged with discharging a firearm in Baltimore City in 2022 rejected a plea before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn

Defendant Ardie Jenkins, represented by stand-in defense counsel Maureen O’Leary, rejected a plea deal to serve 15 years, suspending all but five years, without the possibility of parole and five years of supervised probation for firearm possession with a felony conviction. He would have also been required to register as a gun offender for firearm possession with a felony conviction. The agreement also offered a concurrent three years for having a handgun on his person.

Due to Matthew Connell, Jenkins’ defense counsel, not communicating that he would be in another trial during the previously agreed upon date, Judge Phinn continued the hearing to Aug. 23 for rescheduling. 

As stated on the Maryland Judiciary website, Jenkins is charged with firearm possession with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, possessing a firearm after being convicted, firing a gun in Baltimore City and having a handgun on his person. 

According to court documents, on Dec. 31, 2022, officers responded to the 500 block of Dolphin Street for a ShotSpotter alert indicating the firing of six gunshot rounds. Officers viewed surveillance footage of the incident and identified Jenkins. 

A collection of items was discovered at the scene, including eight .22 cartridges, 14 cartridges .38 cal ammunition, a transparent container with suspected marijuana, a green satchel containing an unloaded arminius titan tiger .38 cal 6-shot Revolver. Jenkins was confirmed to have shot based on the 6-shot Revolver and identification from the initial officer.