Bail Denied for Sex Offender who Shot Himself

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A 23-year-old Baltimore man who allegedly discharged a firearm, shooting himself, was denied bail on Feb. 11 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Charles J. Peters.

The Baltimore resident is charged with possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, having a handgun on his person, discharging firearms, and illegal possession of ammo in connection to an incident on Oct. 8, 2021.

During a bail review hearing on Friday, Judge Peters listened as the prosecutor informed the court that the defendant’s prior conviction stems from charges of incest, sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree rape, and a second-degree sex offense from 2016. She also said, he plead guilty to lesser charges of second-degree assault and a fourth-degree sex offense in 2018.

The defendant’s defense attorney Amy Stone argued that her client was not in violation of his probation for these charges and was complying with his sex offender registry requirements at the time of the incident.

According to court documents, on Oct. 8, 2021, the defendant possessed and fired an illegal handgun striking himself. The defendant, who is a convicted felon, is barred from possessing or using firearms under Maryland law. It is unknown whether the wound was intentional or accidental.

Judge Peters denied bail for the defendant citing a lack of evidence to support his return to court and ensure the safety of the community.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for April 6.