District Attorney Ian Jones told the Allegany County Public Safety Committee on Jan. 2 that misdemeanor caseloads are rising and that felony filings averaged “around 25 felonies every month” in the recent reporting period, with figures noted as of Dec. 20.

Why it matters: Rising caseloads affect courthouse scheduling, case management resources and county public-safety workloads.

Jones said misdemeanor numbers “continue to climb little by little” and that trend is likely to continue. He also said felony filings averaged roughly 25 new felony cases per month in the period the report covered and that a late-month surge increased those figures.

Public Defender JR Santana Carter told the committee the defender’s office plans to request committee approval within the next 60 days to create a “couple of positions” that are “100% grant funded as part of our agreement with the state.” Carter said the positions are part of commitments made to the state and that final internal discussions with administration and human resources remain before a formal request is filed. He said the grants will cover equipment costs and the office will make available space as it becomes ready.

A conflict defender (identified in the transcript as Hegden) and other defense staff also described a high prevalence of repeat offenders. The conflict defender said, “it is the vast majority,” adding many people reappear in court repeatedly and that the phenomenon can be generational.

Probation Director Scott Grandere said probation caseloads were “steady” with no dramatic year-over-year spikes reported for 2024 and that the department continues routine supervision work.

Discussion and next steps: Carter said the defender’s office will return with a formal staffing request tied to state grant funding within roughly 60 days. Jones said the prosecutor’s office will provide additional data on repeat offenders if requested so the committee can better understand recidivism in local caseloads.

Ending: Committee members thanked the offices for their reports and asked staff to provide follow-up data where available.