MD public defender raises alarm over youth detained without heat

Key takeaways

About 60 youths at Baltimore ‘s Youth Detention Center have been without heat for more than a week.

Public Defender Natasha Dartigue calls the conditions “unconscionable” and potentially unconstitutional.

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services says repairs are underway and temperatures are “not dangerous.”

The Office of the Public Defender is preparing legal motions to modify detention conditions.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender raised alarm bells Thursday, saying that it has confirmed that more than 60 children held at the Youth Detention Center in Baltimore have been without heat for more than a week.

“This is unconscionable,” Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue said. “Baltimore City Public Schools closes when indoor tempera