Accused Gang Member Rejects Pleas As Case Moves Through Federal Court

By Andrew Michaels - September 2, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

Alleged criminal gang member Jamal Smiley, who is facing nearly 200 counts, is likely to have his case resolved in federal court, according to the Baltimore City assistant state’s attorney assigned to the case.

During reception court on Sept. 1, the prosecutor reiterated its plea offer of two consecutive life sentences, a consecutive 100-year sentence, and a consecutive six months for a series of charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder as well as gang association, armed carjacking, attempted and armed robbery, and car theft.

Smiley rejected the plea alongside his defense attorney, Andrea Jaskulsky. His last court appearance was in July.

The prosecution informed Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn that the case has made “tremendous progress” as it makes its way through federal court. Smiley is expected to take a plea, which will result in the dismissal of the charges above; however, the details of the plea were not discussed on Thursday.

The prosecutor said the defendant is still being held until the plea is finalized before asking the case return to return court on Sept. 29. 

However, he expects the case will be resolved by that time.

Judge Phinn approved the request.