Father pleads guilty to abuse resulting in death of one month old child

March 6, 2017

William D. Watson, 51, pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, suspend all but 18 years. Upon his release, he will serve three years on probation and will be prohibited from any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18.

Special Victims Unit Division Chief Anne Colt Leitess prosecuted the case.

Father Sentenced to 8 years in Death of 2 year old Daughter

February 13, 2017

“Carter’s prosecution demonstrates our intolerance of such child neglect, where the neglectful care rises to the level of a crime,” said Leitess. “We are charged with the duty to prosecute cases to the fullest extent of the law, even those cases involving a family member. We are pleased that Wilbert Carter received a significant sentence for the role he played in the tragic death of his daughter.”

Father found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of his 2 year old child

December 23, 2016

“Children are our most precious gifts and I’m sure there is nothing that can ever fill the void in the lives of those who loved and cared for two-year-old Leasia Carter,” State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said. “This was a tragic case where the life of this child was lost in the care of the one that gave her life, and I commend Special Victims Unit Chief Anne Colt Leitess for ensuring that justice was done on this little girl’s behalf.”

Serial child molester sentenced to 125 years in prison

November 17, 2016

Michael Griffin has been sentenced to 125 years in prison after he was convicted on five counts of sexual abuse of a minor in September. For five years Griffin sexually abused his girlfriend’s adopted daughter.

Special Victims Unit Division Chief Anne Colt Leitess prosecuted the case.

Anne Colt Leitess Testifies before the legislature on serial sexual assault bill

March 25, 2015

Along with Sen. Cassilly, Mosby’s panel of experts included former Anne Arundel State’s Attorney Anne Leitess, noted Baltimore City Special Victims Prosecutor Aaliyah Muhammad and Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association Coordinator Steven Kroll.

Leitess and Muhammad referenced Maryland cases where Maryland judges dismissed crucial pieces of evidence, or allowed an accused rapist to refute DNA evidence— linking the defendant to his victim— by claiming the sexual encounter was consensual.

We can break the cycle of Violence for Abuse Victims

September 30, 2014, Anne Colt Leitess

As a career prosecutor in Anne Arundel County, I was shocked when I first encountered domestic violence cases. I found myself trying to convince some abuse victims that their abuser needed to be held accountable through jail sentences, counseling to stop the abuse and often treatment for an underlying drug or alcohol issue.

why I’m running for Anne Arundel County state's attorney

October 2018 Anne Colt Leitess

My path to public office was unexpected. But serving as State’s Attorney, I can continue to speak for crime victims who couldn't speak for themselves. Click on the icon to read my column.

Man Gets 30 years for 2012 killing-ANne Colt Leitess tries case while serving as State’s Attorney.

September 16, 2014, Tim Pratt

State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess disputed Harper's accounts of the events of that day. She said Collignon didn't punch Harper until Harper pulled his gun.

Seniors Should be wary of Scams

September 4, 2014, Anne Colt Leitess

There is no shortage of Internet or mail schemes designed to entice people to believe they have an opportunity to get rich quick or that they won a contest. The notion that you need only to deposit a check or pay a fee or taxes to collect a prize really is too good to be true.

Monitoring the safety of our children

August 19, 2014, Anne Colt Leitess

As children get older, the dangers that lurk online are the next concern. There is an alarming increase in online crimes via social media. Many children are chatting with people they don't know. Children and teens, seeking attention and approval, are being lured into "relationships" with predators looking for a lonely or naive child.

Crofton Man gets life-plus 20 for 2012 murder-anne Colt Leitess tries complex murder trial while also serving as the county’s top prosecutor

August 5, 2014, Tim Pratt

"This was probably the most cold and calculated murder I've ever seen," Leitess said. "He was a trusted friend of the victim and just extinguished him for no reason other than a drug debt or some stupid, petty argument."

Jury: Stahlnecker killed Frederick Man

February 27, 2014, Danielle E. Gaines

"This was the most senseless crime I have seen in a long time," Leitess said outside the courtroom. "There was absolutely no reason to kill John Ryan-- only greed."

AABA Delivers Thanksgiving Dinners to Those In NEed

December 3, 2013, Eye on Annapolis

"Thanks to the generous donations of members of the Bar Association, I was able to help hand out dozens of frozen turkeys, pies, and other Thanksgiving favorites to those members of our community in need," said State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess, who serves as Secretary of the AABA's Board.

Our Say: State's Attorney's Contest Shaping Up to Be a Fight In 2014

October 4, 2013, The Capital Gazette

In a recent conversation with the Capital Gazette editorial board, she demonstrated a firm command of the job and had interesting ideas on trying to prevent crime before it gets to the courthouse door.

Leitess Named New Anne Arundel State's Attorney

June 7, 2013, Heather Rawlyk

"I'm just very excited the judges would place their trust in me for this job," she said. "It's a very serious job, very important, and I think being a career prosecutor has led me to this."

Assistant Prosecutor named Anne Arundel's new State's Attorney

June 6, 2013, Andrea F. Siegel

A career Anne Arundel prosecutor was chosen Thursday as the county's new state's attorney, making her the first woman to hold the position as the top prosecutor in the county.

Two Life Sentences for Dante Jeter in Maryland Dentist's Killing

July 26, 2012, Associated Press

Twenty-five-year-old Dante Jeter of Baltimore was sentenced Tuesday for felony first-degree murder in the September 2006 beating and stabbing death of 51-year-old Albert Ro.

Two Life Sentences in Glen Burnie Murder-For-Hire

July 25, 2012, Heather Rawlyk

Leitess urged North to give Jeter the maximum so he is not eligible for parole in 27 years. "Murder for Dante Jeter is business, it's not personal," she said. "He has forfeited his right to life in society."