The number of federal prosecutions in Maryland has increased by nearly 37 percent over the past five years, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. In fiscal year 2010, a total of 972 defendants were prosecuted on felony charges, extending an upward trend for the fifth consecutive year.
“The increase in federal prosecutions in Maryland demonstrates our commitment to support state and local law enforcement and promote public safety, but the impact of federal law enforcement cannot be measured by statistics alone,” said United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
The increase in prosecutions means there are more defendants being detained, prosecutors said. As of Sept. 30, the U.S. Marshals Service held 663 prisoners for Maryland, an increase 88 percent from 353 held on Sept. 30, 2000. The detainees include criminal defendants awaiting trial or sentencing.
