She imposed the mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison on three counts. She gave Ellerby 30 years on two other counts.
Though the nickname for those identified as violent repeat offenders is the "dirty dozen," the number is far greater, according to the U.S. attorney's office. About 50 people have been pursued, and at least 42 of them arrested and charged in cases with more than 160 defendants total.
Most of the violent repeat offenders charged have been prosecuted at the federal level, where sentences are tougher and parole not a possibility. In Ellerby's case, prior felony drug convictions bumped up his mandatory minimum sentence to life.
He was arrested after a brief investigation by the Baltimore Police Department and agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
"Some of Baltimore's most dangerous career criminals believe that they cannot be held accountable," U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in a statement. "But we aim to prove them wrong."
the record
David "Chicken" Ellerby was repeatedly charged but not convicted at the state level for murder or intent to murder. In some cases, he was found not guilty; in others, prosecutors declined to pursue, or "nolle prosequi."
June 11, 1990: Assault with intent to murder (nolle prosequi)
Dec. 17, 1993: Assault with intent to murder (not guilty)
March 21, 1995: Murder 1st degree (nolle prosequi)
May 10, 2001: Attempted 1st-degree murder (nolle prosequi)
April 25, 2003: Attempted 1st-degree murder (not guilty)
Aug. 10, 2004: Murder 1st degree (not guilty)
Source: court documents
