Lawmakers demand answers from Maryland Judiciary in records dispute

by Chris Papst

Updated Tue, July 29th 2025 at 10:36 PM

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Delegate Lauren Arikan and Delegate Robin Grammer co-signed a letter written to Chief Justice Matthew Fader demanding answers (WBFF)

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Baltimore (WBFF) — Lawmakers are demanding answers from the Chief Justice of the Maryland Supreme Court after the Maryland Judiciary misled Fox45 News regarding the release of public records.

Maryland State Delegate Lauren Arikan, last week, sent a letter to Chief Justice Matthew Fader.

The letter reads in part, “Dear Chief Justice Fader: We are writing to you out of deep concern regarding recent revelations reported by FOX45 Project Baltimore alleging that the Maryland Judiciary misled the public and the press regarding access to public records on juvenile crime.”

Arikan, a Republican, who represents Harford County is a member of the House Judiciary Committee in Annapolis. She’s been watching Project Baltimore’s recent reports on the Maryland Judiciary, which is led by Chief Justice Fader.

“This story has reached victims of child sex abuse and other types of abuse, in the juvenile system. And the victims that I've spoken to are incredibly disturbed,” explained Arikan. “They feel like they've experienced very similar stonewalling in their own personal cases.”

Fox45’s transparency concerns with the Maryland Judiciary began earlier this year.

In February, Project Baltimore was escorted out of the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, a public building, for trying to speak with Circuit Court Judge Charles Blomquist about controversial rulings he had made that some believe jeopardize public safety. After being escorted out, Project Baltimore’s Chris Papst called the Judiciary’s Public Information Officer, Nick Cavey, asking why.

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Soon after that February incident, Cavey wrote to Project Baltimore explaining we do have access to “proceedings that are open to the public.” But we, “may not attempt to seek access to Judge Blomquist” even though he’s an elected official.

“I think it's really important that anyone in a position of power in the state of Maryland, answer to the public,” stated Arikan.

Later in 2025, Project Baltimore had more transparency issues with the Judiciary – this time regarding the release of public documents related to court rulings for juveniles accused or convicted of serious crimes. In January, Fox45 filed a public record request.

For months, the state was saying Fox45’s request was “being processed and the Judiciary needs more time.” The Judiciary even provided a date of July 4 for when to expect the records.

But then, on July 21, the Judiciary closed Project Baltimore’s request explaining it is, “not obligated to create and then produce the records you seek.”

“The judiciary did not tell us the whole truth. We were told the records were being produced when it appears they were not,” Papst said to Arikan.

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“I think there, for sure, should be an internal investigation into what happened,” Arikan replied. “Who told who that the documents did exist, and then who made the decision to say there are no documents, we can’t provide you anything and we don’t have to.

“Transparency is foundational to public trust in our justice system,” Arikan wrote in the letter to Chief Justice Fader.

Baltimore County Delegate Robin Grammer, who is also a member of the Judiciary Committee, co-signed the letter – which asked what, “steps the Maryland Judiciary is currently taking to provide swift and reliable access to this critical public information.”

“I think it's a concerning lack of transparency,” remarked Arikan. “These are public records the public should have access to them.”

Last week, to try to get answers, Project Baltimore requested an interview with Chief Justice Fader. In an email, Project Baltimore wrote, “Public trust in our court system is of the upmost importance and what Fox45 has experienced the last few months is concerning.” The Judiciary wrote back saying its “reviewing” our request.

Follow Project Baltimore's Chris Papst on X and Facebook. Send news tips to cjpapst@sbgtv.com