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State's Attorney · Allegany County · 2026 Primary
The State’s Attorney is the county’s lead prosecutor, responsible for managing the legal office that handles all criminal cases on behalf of the public. This official decides whether to bring formal charges against individuals, oversees criminal trials, and works with law enforcement to address local crime. Because they determine how laws are enforced and which cases are prioritized, this office significantly shapes public safety and the local justice system.
View all candidates in this raceJames F. Elliott serves as the State’s Attorney for Allegany County, Maryland, having been sworn into office on February 24, 2021, initially appointed by Judge Jeffrey S. Getty to serve until the 2022 election. Prior to his appointment, he spent six years as an Assistant Public Defender and served as District Public Defender from 2017 to 2021, leading a team of attorneys in Allegany and Garrett counties. A native of Allegany County who returned with his family in 2011 after private practice in Howard County, Elliott emphasizes his duty to represent the interests of county residents in criminal legal matters. His office has worked closely with the Narcotics Task Force, reporting over 142 felony drug arrests and significant seizures of drugs and firearms since taking office. In May 2023, he requested four new positions focused on processing body camera footage from law enforcement officers to improve accountability and case review capabilities.
Sources: Campaign website
Criminal Prosecution
Elliott states that his office's primary responsibility is to prosecute individuals charged with criminal and serious traffic offenses within the county.
“Our chief duty is to prosecute criminals accused of crimes taking place in Allegany County.”
Community Safety
He pledges that his office will work to ensure residents feel safe and lawful by bringing justice to those found guilty.
“pledge to make Allegany County a safe and lawful community for each and every resident.”
Narcotics Enforcement
The office highlights its work with the Narcotics Task Force, noting arrests and seizures of drugs and firearms.
“To date, the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force has arrested 142 individuals in Allegany County for felony related drug charges.”
External reporting from May 2023 notes that James Elliott requested the creation of four new job positions to assist with processing body camera footage obtained from law enforcement officers. He presented this request to the Allegany County Board of Commissioners during their regular bi-monthly meeting, citing the need for analysts to review such footage effectively.
“Our chief duty is to prosecute criminals accused of crimes taking place in Allegany County.”
Source“The State’s Attorney, along with his two deputies and seven Assistant State’s Attorneys, pledge to make Allegany County a safe and lawful community for each and every resident.”
Source“James Elliott made a request last week that four job positions be created to assist with processing of body cam footage obtained from law enforcement officers.”
Source