Misconduct Charge Against MD Medic Dismissed on Technicality

Jul. 7—The misconduct case against an Annapolis paramedic who helped transport city resident Renardo Green to a hospital during a medical crisis that ended in his death was dismissed Friday afternoon.

Anne Arundel Circuit Judge Michael Malone found the paramedic was charged after the statute of limitations had expired.

Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess argued the paramedic's role as a public official extended the legal deadline for filing the case. She said her office will consult with the Maryland Attorney General's Office on a possible appeal.

"This is why we have appellate courts," Leitess told The Capital, "to resolve these legal disputes."

The single charge against Bridget Elizabeth Weiss, 50, was the only criminal action taken by prosecutors related to Green's 2021 death. The circumstances leading up to it, including Green's health and state of mind, as well as the response by paramedics and police, have been the subject of debate between Green's family and local leaders for more than two years.

Though the lone criminal case was dismissed Friday, a $75 million dollar wrongful death lawsuit against the city is still pending in U.S. District Court of Maryland.

Defense attorney Peter O'Neill successfully argued during a motions hearing that Weiss' position with the Annapolis Fire Department did not meet the legal burden needed to extend the statute of limitations — generally one year for misdemeanor offenses, like misconduct in office.

"The judge ruled correctly and consistently with Maryland law," O'Neill said. "To me, it was an easy decision because the state did not comply with the statute."

Weiss was one of five fire personnel and four police officers to respond to Green's Eastport apartment on June 1, 2021. At the time, Green was under the influence of the mind-altering anesthetics PCP and TCP along with methadone, fentanyl and cocaine, according to his autopsy report. His behavior caused his wife to call 911 for help.

When first responders arrived, they found Green pinned to the ground by a relative. Unable to calm him, city personnel restrained Green with shackles and two sets of handcuffs before strapping him face down to a stretcher.

According to the autopsy report, which was known to authorities more than a month before it was revealed by The Capital in late 2021, Green suffered a cardiac arrest as he was loaded into an ambulance. Declared brain-dead, he was revived in the emergency room at Anne Arundel Medical Center but never regained consciousness. Dr. Victor W. Weedn, the state's former chief medical examiner, ruled Green's death a homicide, with the cause of death listed as "prone restraint cardiac arrest" and drug use as a contributing factor.

Weiss' misconduct charge derived from "several material misstatements" prosecutors accused of her making while reporting Green's death. Assistant State's Attorney Carolynn Grammas argued Friday that Weiss' role as a paramedic allows prosecutors to file misdemeanor charges against her up to two years after the incident in question.

Maryland's courts and judicial proceedings code allows up to two years for prosecution to commence against "criminal malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office committed by an officer of the State."

Weiss was indicted in February, approximately 19 months after Green's death.

Beyond the statute of limitations, O'Neill refuted the misconduct case against his client.

"This charge makes individuals not want to work as paramedics or firefighters because they might be accused of a criminal act," O'Neill said.

The state's attorney's office has 30 days to file an appeal.

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