Governor Moore Appoints New Judges to Baltimore and Frederick County Courts

Governor Wes Moore has announced the appointment of three legal professionals to serve on the bench in Baltimore and Frederick Counties, according to a press release from the Governor’s office. Ralph Laurence Sapia and Evelyn Lombardo Cusson have been appointed to the Baltimore County Circuit Court, while Brett Joann Engler has been named to the Frederick County District Court. These appointments are intended to bring dedicated legal minds committed to fairness and justice to these important judicial roles.

Ralph Laurence Sapia, a solo practitioner in Towson with his own law firm, the Law Office of Ralph L. Sapia, P.A., will now serve on the Baltimore County Circuit Court. Prior to establishing his private practice, Sapia was a partner at Tillman Sapia, P.A. His career also includes a period teaching history and social studies in Baltimore County Public Schools, where he continues his service as a member of the ethics review panel. Beyond his legal and educational contributions, Sapia is an active member of his community, holding positions as chair of the St. Agnes Hospital Foundation board of directors and as a founding member of the Sisters Academy of Baltimore board of directors. He earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Evelyn Lombardo Cusson, also appointed to the Baltimore County Circuit Court, brings extensive experience as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Maryland. In this role, she has focused on prosecuting white-collar crimes and managed a diverse caseload across both civil and criminal litigation. Cusson also dedicates her efforts to elder justice as the coordinator for her office, working to combat the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Her prior legal experience includes practicing at Gordon Feinblatt, LLC, and Anderson, Coe & King, LLP. She also clerked for the Honorable Lynne A. Battaglia on the Maryland Court of Appeals, now known as the Supreme Court of Maryland. Furthermore, Cusson is currently the president of the Baltimore City Bar Association. Her legal education was obtained from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.

The Frederick County District Court will welcome Brett Joann Engler, who currently serves as the chief of the domestic violence unit at the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office. With over a decade as an assistant state’s attorney, Engler has been instrumental in enhancing the prosecution of domestic violence cases within the county and fostering collaboration between criminal justice entities and community organizations. Her advocacy has contributed to significant legal advancements, including a 2020 Maryland law that elevated strangulation to a felony offense. Engler is also actively involved in leadership roles, chairing both the Frederick County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and the Frederick County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, while also participating in state and national committees focused on domestic violence response. She received her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

These judicial appointments are expected to strengthen the legal proceedings and judicial oversight within their respective counties, impacting the administration of justice for residents of Baltimore and Frederick Counties.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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