SIX CHARGED WITH STEALING MONEY FROM STATE AGENCY

Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. announced today the indictment of six individuals in a scheme to steal money from the State Department of Business and Economic Development. The thefts total over $33,000. Charged were Denise Rosado, 39, a former employee of the agency’ s Public Affairs Office, whose last known address was Warwickshire Lane in Glen Burnie, her sister Diana O’Connor, 42, her niece Tinikia Rice,23, Stephen Ross, 38, her nephew, and two friends, James Barnes, Jr.,48, and Yolanda Harris, 42. All the defendants reside in Baltimore: O’Connor lives on Deacon Hill Court, Rice on Fisk Road, Ross on Edgewood Street, and Harris on Evergreen Avenue. Barnes’ last known address was on Northgate Road in Baltimore

The maximum penalty for felony theft is 15 years incarceration and a $25,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Arraignments for Ross, O’Connor and Rice have been scheduled in Baltimore City Circuit Court for October 25, 2006; no arraignments have been set yet for Rosado, Barnes or Harris.

The case was referred to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Attorney General’s Office by the State Department of Business and Economic Development, which is located on E. Redwood Street in Baltimore.