Witness intimidation, other Baltimore crime issues among Maryland priorities in new Congress

U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume had his home city in mind when drafting legislation to assist communities struggling to protect witnesses from intimidation in violent crime cases. “I can tell you Baltimore would be right at the top of the list,” said the Democratic lawmaker, whose bill would authorize $150 million in grants over five years for programs across the nation to help keep witnesses safe through relocation or other means.