Annapolis Capital Punishment

The other day, the Annapolis Police Report told of a traffic stop that led to the arrest for handgun possession and other offenses. It was reported in The Capital as follows:

Samuel Edward Sharps III, 22, of Sterling Circle in Annapolis, was arrested and charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute, handgun possession and a handful of traffic violations, including texting while driving — which is likely the reason he ran the stop sign in the first place, police said.

Today, we received the following from the APD:

Rape Arrest – A victim reported she was sexually assaulted on Monday at 10:10 p.m. near the intersection of Southgate Ave and West Street. The victim was able to provide a description of the suspect who was later found on West Street. Frank Leon Hall, of Lothian, was arrested and is currently being held without bail.

So I looked the alleged "perps" up on the state's court records and sure enough--it was not their first experience with the law.  Visit the state's records here and see for yourself. Mr Hall should be familiar with the halls of justice and again, we pay for police, the prosecution, the incarceration and the public defender. It's a system that is meant to protect and serve us all, but it is far from perfect and often fails us. Check out http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/inquiry/inquiry-index.jsp and see how it can take months for a bench warrant to be served, how many cases were not prosecuted etc.

Let us wish the victim well and commend her for being able to help police locate and arrest the suspect after such an awful experience--and thanks to APD for their work. www.annapolis.gov/police

AND FINALLY.....readers know that I have repeatedly written here and in my column in The Capital about how supposed "minor" or "routine" traffic violations have often led to arrests for more serious crimes. Again, I must say, texting while driving, running stop signs, speeding, parking on sidewalks etc., etc. are not minor crimes. They are done while controlling big, heavy machinery around and near us and our children. Bad driving habits are indicative of anti-social behavior--and sometimes even criminal action.

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