Christian Mash is the State’s Attorney for Garrett County. As a career prosecutor, Christian has spent the last 12 years working to uphold the safety and security of the people of our community. He has devoted his career in public service to holding criminals accountable, providing justice to victims, and doing so in a way that is fair to all concerned. Christian cares about the people of Garrett County, and wants to reduce drug abuse and crimes against children and other vulnerable populations.

As a native of Western Maryland and the grandson of coal miners, Christian believes our criminal justice system should reflect the values of our community. Christian firmly believes in accountability for people who break the law - especially those who commit violent crimes, traffic deadly drugs, or victimize the most vulnerable in our community. He also supports efforts to implement common-sense strategies to reduce future crime by addressing the root causes that bring people into contact with the criminal justice system.

In addition, Christian has been noted for his aggressive approach toward drug trafficking crimes. Christian believes in enforcing the law, and holding drug traffickers accountable for their crimes. Christian also believes in a comprehensive approach to drug problems. He has sought to bolster community efforts to increase prevention, treatment, and recovery. Christian leads the local Overdose Prevention Team and actively works to connect the criminal justice system with resources meant to address the needs of those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Christian lives in Red House with his wife Jessica, and their two sons, John, and Abe. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities with friends and family. His commitment to Garrett County extends beyond the Courthouse, and is reflected in numerous volunteer endeavors. Christian volunteers as the attorney advisor for the Southern Garrett High School Mock Trial program. He is the President of the Board of Trustees for the Ruth Enlow Library, is an active member of the Oakland Rotary Club, and serves on the Board of the Garrett College Foundation.

Policies

An Aggressive Approach to Drug Traffickers

As your State’s Attorney, Christian will continue his aggressive approach to narcotics trafficking. Drug dealers must understand that in Garrett County, investigators and prosecutors have a strong commitment to stopping the flow of drugs into our county and to holding these offenders accountable. Early in his tenure, State’s Attorney Mash worked proactively with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office to re-establish the Narcotics Task Force. The efforts of the NTF have significantly reduced the availability of illicit drugs in our community.

This comprehensive approach to drug issues also includes working with our school system to provide education on the harmful effects of illicit drugs. These early prevention efforts are critical to reducing drug abuse in the next generation.

The Office of the State’s Attorney will continue efforts to aggressively intervene with drug users when they first appear in court on misdemeanor offenses. Our prosecutors will seek intensive supervision and treatment for these drug users, to include continuous monitoring, harm reduction tools, workforce re-entry training. This is meant to improve outcomes for all involved. It is Christian’s goal that these individuals ultimately be rehabilitated toward a productive life where they are productive, drug-free members of their family and community. This is an evidence-based approach that reduces recidivism and strengthens our community.

State’s Attorney Mash will continue to work closely with his partners in Law Enforcement to disrupt the supply of drugs into our county, and to aggressively prosecute drug dealers. Through this comprehensive approach that seeks accountability, prevention, treatment, and recovery, we can continue to assure a safe and healthy future for Garrett County.

Combatting Child Abuse and Crimes against Vulnerable Victims

During State’s Attorney Mash’s tenure, the Office of the State’s Attorney has prioritized Child Abuse and Elder Abuse investigations and prosecution. “In Garrett County, protecting the most vulnerable in our community is a top priority," Mash stated. “We will ensure that these victims receive all the protections the law can offer, and we will aggressively seek to hold these offenders accountable.” Prosecution of Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adult Abuse and Neglect has increased during Mash’s time as State’s Attorney - as have the sentences for these offenses.

Christian’s commitment to improving child welfare in Garrett County reaches beyond the courtroom. He has advocated successfully in Annapolis for legislative changes that protect victims of child sexual abuse and physical abuse. He also meets frequently with other interested stakeholders in the community, including child welfare agencies and domestic violence shelters, in efforts to cooperate toward shared goals.

Modernization, Transparency, and Fairness

Our justice system works best when people understand it. To that end, Mash is taking steps to restore public confidence in how justice is delivered here in Garrett County. He is committed to transparency, fairness, and integrity. The Office of the State’s Attorney is undergoing numerous efforts to modernize internal office practices, including the adoption of Case Management Software and Diversion programs. Transparency is increased by the collection and publication of relevant criminal justice data. It is a goal to have a data set sufficient to publish in a data dashboard within three years of case management system adoption. Subject to any ethical restrictions, State’s Attorney Mash also supports the release of criminal justice case information where that information will aid the law enforcement process, promote public safety, or foster confidence in the criminal justice system.

A State’s Attorney is an independent administrator of justice, and seeking justice can only be achieved by the representation of the truth. State’s Attorney Mash firmly believes that the role of the State’s Attorney is to “do the right thing” by acting fairly and honestly in dealing with all involved in the criminal justice system. He emphasizes this primacy of ethical conduct to all staff, stating that “maintaining the highest ethical standard in prosecution applies regardless of whether particular actions are unpopular or unfashionable. Doing the right thing will always be our central and guiding principle.”

Christian Mash is the strong, experienced State’s Attorney that Garrett County needs!

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