MCPD released 14 and 16 year olds who committed armed robbery in Gaithersburg to their parents

[Anonymous]

SOURCE: https://wjla.com/news/local/juveniles-arrested-gaithersburg-strong-arm-robbery-maryland-crime-mcdonalds-suspects-victim-pmf-handguns-gun-charges-teen-kids-released-guardians-montgomery-county-dmv#

Two children were arrested Tuesday and released to their guardians after being accused of robbing a man outside a Gaithersburg, Maryland McDonald's, police said.

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) said on Jan. 29 just before 4 p.m., officers responded to the 8900 block of Centerway Road for the report of a robbery.

Police said their preliminary investigation revealed that a man was leaving a McDonald’s in the 9100 block of Rothbury Drive when he noticed two unknown suspects walking toward him. Police said the victim started running, but the teen boys caught up to him and stole his sweatshirt and sneakers, before running away from the scene.

Police said at the time of the arrest, the 14-year-old boy had two loaded privately manufactured “PMF” handguns.

The 14-year-old was charged with robbery and handgun-related charges and the 16-year-old was charged with robbery.

Both suspects were taken to the police station and released to their guardians.

I'm struggling to understand the why behind this story. The kids were charged with robbery and handgun-related charges. Why would they be released to their parents rather than held in juvenile detention? What's the legal logic behind what MCPD did?

[Anonymous]

It has happened before.
Years ago a Whitman student robbed a 7-eleven. Went home to mommy & daddy.

[Anonymous]

Before this thread goes further:

MCPD would not have made the decision to release the suspects to their parents. They follow the direction of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS). DJS would make the decision whether or not to hold them.

If you’re concerned about this decision, then you would have to direct your questions to DJS. And they won’t tell you anyway because the case involves juveniles.

[Anonymous]

And please note that these kids knew what they were doing: the youngest held the gun. Otherwise the oldest, being 16, would have been tried as an adult under Maryland law.

[Anonymous]

If juveniles are arrested for armed robbery, hold them in a juvenile facility pending trial, try them as adults, and hand out long sentences. That's how you bring down crime in MoCo, not by coddling the stupid little thugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If juveniles are arrested for armed robbery, hold them in a juvenile facility pending trial, try them as adults, and hand out long sentences. That's how you bring down crime in MoCo, not by coddling the stupid little thugs.

You now need to speak to MoCo judges, who are following the law created by the state legislature.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Before this thread goes further:

MCPD would not have made the decision to release the suspects to their parents. They follow the direction of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS). DJS would make the decision whether or not to hold them.

If you’re concerned about this decision, then you would have to direct your questions to DJS. And they won’t tell you anyway because the case involves juveniles.

Thank you for that clarification. Does anyone know why DJS would make this call?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If juveniles are arrested for armed robbery, hold them in a juvenile facility pending trial, try them as adults, and hand out long sentences. That's how you bring down crime in MoCo, not by coddling the stupid little thugs.

You now need to speak to MoCo judges, who are following the law created by the state legislature.

I thought DJS made the call to hold or release them? It's in fact MoCo judges?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If juveniles are arrested for armed robbery, hold them in a juvenile facility pending trial, try them as adults, and hand out long sentences. That's how you bring down crime in MoCo, not by coddling the stupid little thugs.

You now need to speak to MoCo judges, who are following the law created by the state legislature.

I thought DJS made the call to hold or release them? It's in fact MoCo judges?

DJS would determine if the juveniles are held before trial. Judges would hand down sentences (harsh, light, etc).

The police, in the case of OP’s question, have very little to do with this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If juveniles are arrested for armed robbery, hold them in a juvenile facility pending trial, try them as adults, and hand out long sentences. That's how you bring down crime in MoCo, not by coddling the stupid little thugs.

You now need to speak to MoCo judges, who are following the law created by the state legislature.

Which law(s) would apply here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SOURCE: https://wjla.com/news/local/juveniles-arrested-gaithersburg-strong-arm-robbery-maryland-crime-mcdonalds-suspects-victim-pmf-handguns-gun-charges-teen-kids-released-guardians-montgomery-county-dmv#

Two children were arrested Tuesday and released to their guardians after being accused of robbing a man outside a Gaithersburg, Maryland McDonald's, police said.

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) said on Jan. 29 just before 4 p.m., officers responded to the 8900 block of Centerway Road for the report of a robbery.

Police said their preliminary investigation revealed that a man was leaving a McDonald’s in the 9100 block of Rothbury Drive when he noticed two unknown suspects walking toward him. Police said the victim started running, but the teen boys caught up to him and stole his sweatshirt and sneakers, before running away from the scene.

Police said at the time of the arrest, the 14-year-old boy had two loaded privately manufactured “PMF” handguns.

The 14-year-old was charged with robbery and handgun-related charges and the 16-year-old was charged with robbery.

Both suspects were taken to the police station and released to their guardians.

I'm struggling to understand the why behind this story. The kids were charged with robbery and handgun-related charges. Why would they be released to their parents rather than held in juvenile detention? What's the legal logic behind what MCPD did?

All part of the felons need hugs policies adopted in progressive areas.

[Anonymous]

DCUM doesn’t understand that justice does not apply for wealthy parents

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCUM doesn’t understand that justice does not apply for wealthy parents

LMAO if you think that applies here. What many don't understand is that you get the results you vote for.

[Anonymous]

Because Maryland passed this:
https://www.aecf.org/blog/maryland-enacts-sweeping-youth-justice-reforms

There is an effort currently underway to make it a bit more strict:
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/juvenile-justice-reform-preliminary-approval-senate-bill-744/60027395

But as you can see quoted in the article above, not all are in favor:

Criminalizing children doesn't improve public safety. The way to improve public safety is to address the child's needs very early, not stigmatizing them with criminalization, not cops putting them in handcuffs, not putting them in cages or cells, not putting them in prison.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because Maryland passed this:
https://www.aecf.org/blog/maryland-enacts-sweeping-youth-justice-reforms

There is an effort currently underway to make it a bit more strict:
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/juvenile-justice-reform-preliminary-approval-senate-bill-744/60027395

But as you can see quoted in the article above, not all are in favor:

Criminalizing children doesn't improve public safety. The way to improve public safety is to address the child's needs very early, not stigmatizing them with criminalization, not cops putting them in handcuffs, not putting them in cages or cells, not putting them in prison.

Sounds like someone looking for a wrap around services contract.