Sun coverage: Md. victims fund

March 21, 2008

Victims' aid ban sought on felons

A state senator who is moving to ban felons from receiving state aid for crime victims has narrowed his focus to those convicted of mostly violent offenses.

March 18, 2008

Senator aims to end aid to felons

A state senator from Baltimore County said he will move this week to ban anyone convicted of a felony from receiving money from a state fund that assists crime victims.

March 16, 2008

Victims fund assists felons

Deandra M. Gaskins once pointed a handgun at the face of a woman leaving a corner store and demanded money, saying, "Kick it out." The armed robber is also a convicted car thief and drug dealer who has been arrested at least eight times on Baltimore's streets.

March 16, 2008

One firm aids hospitals, victims

More than half the payments approved by the board of the Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund went directly to health care providers, who often depend on a single law firm to handle the process.