Draft:Richard J. Brueckner

Richard J. Brueckner is a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney based in Ocean City, Maryland.

As a Wicomico County prosecutor he was involved in community service initiatives, including the founding of an after-school program for youth, serving as a Safe Streets prosecutor and the Heroin Reduction Strategist for Wicomico County, where he contributed to efforts addressing the heroin and opioid crisis.

Early Life and Education
Born in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Brueckner graduated from the Gilman School in 1991. He developed a passion for surfing at a young age and was active in sports like soccer, lacrosse, and wrestling. He attended the University of San Diego for both undergraduate and law studies. Brueckner earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of San Diego, achieved academic honors, and secured a place on the dean’s list. Brueckner continued his academic journey at the University of San Diego School of Law, receiving a distinction for Advanced Trial Advocacy. While in law school, Brueckner was an active member of the Student Bar Association and served as a certified legal intern at the Law Office of James Rudolph, where he worked on misdemeanor and felony cases.

Career
Richard J. Brueckner served as a Senior Assistant State's Attorney at the Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office.

During his tenure as a Senior Assistant State's Attorney, Brueckner amassed over 80 jury trials and successful resolutions in cases involving drug charges, drunk driving offenses, and weapons charges.

1.1 Safe Streets Prosecutor
In his role as a Safe Streets prosecutor for Wicomico County, Brueckner focused on community safety and well-being. He advocated for community involvement in crime prevention and emphasized collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies, including the police, State's Attorney's Office, neighborhoods Code and Compliance, and Parole & Probation agencies.

Under Brueckner's guidance, the Safe Streets Program in Salisbury organized community meetings to facilitate communication between residents and law enforcement. Brueckner also proposed various community safety measures, such as improved lighting, neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement activities.

Brueckner also shared practical ways to enhance neighborhood safety:


 * 1) Improved Lighting: Encouraging the installation of yard lights.
 * 2) Neighborhood Watch: Promoting community vigilance.
 * 3) Planting Flowers: Beautifying neighborhoods to deter criminals.
 * 4) Removing Graffiti: Addressing areas prone to graffiti.
 * 5) Organizing Outdoor Activities: Encouraging community outdoor events.
 * 6) Maintaining Cleanliness: Ensuring neighborhoods are clean and well-maintained.
 * 7) Creating an Identity: Defining and branding neighborhoods.
 * 8) Engaging with Police: Encouraging residents to participate in police ride-alongs.
 * 9) Documenting Criminal Activity: Keeping records and identifying criminals.
 * 10) Promoting Walking: Encouraging residents to walk during the day and night.

1.2 Addressing the Heroin and Opioid Epidemic
As Wicomico County's assistant state's attorney, Brueckner was charged as the Opioid Reduction Strategist and was involved in Maryland's response to the heroin and opioid crisis.

Richard J. Brueckner's approach was multifaceted, focusing on both prosecution and rehabilitation:


 * 1) Legislative Changes: Maryland's criminal justice system underwent significant changes in 2017, emphasizing treatment over punishment. The Justice Reinvestment Act was passed in 2016, aiming to decrease the state's incarcerated population and direct more offenders into treatment. Brueckner highlighted that the millions saved from these reforms would be reinvested into treatment alternatives.
 * 2) Wicomico County's Approach: Brueckner, serving as the county's heroin and opioid coordinator, noted that the local detention center was the only place in the county where medically assisted detox was available 24/7. He emphasized the broader impact of addiction, pointing out that it manifests in various crimes that might not be immediately associated with drug abuse.
 * 3) Collaboration with the Community: Brueckner highlighted the importance of community involvement in combating the opioid crisis. The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office often collaborated with users' families to help them find the path to recovery. Brueckner believed that many individuals would not seek help unless they were introduced to the system.
 * 4) Justice Reinvestment Act: Brueckner discussed the Justice Reinvestment Act and its impact on Wicomico County. The act, which went into effect in October, was expected to save substantial criminal justice dollars. However, there were concerns about its potential implications. Some believed that the changes might inhibit the ability to compel people into treatment.
 * 5) Results: By the end of June 2017, Wicomico County had 13 fewer drug and alcohol intoxication deaths compared to the same period in 2016. This was the most significant difference in the state. Brueckner attributed this positive change to the county's collaborative efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
 * 6) Community Outreach Addictions Team (COAT): The COAT, established in 2016, is a group within the Wicomico County Health Department consisting of individuals who have been recovering from addiction for at least two years. They respond to overdoses brought to the hospital and connect those struggling with substance abuse with resources.

1.3 Notable Cases

 * A State Senator faced felony gun charges. Richard J. Brueckner was the prosecutor in said case and advised that the senator did not get special treatment.


 * Oxycodone Case in Salisbury: Conviction of Loretta Phillips for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. The case was prosecuted by Safe Streets Prosecutor Richard J. Brueckner Jr. State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the efforts of the Maryland State Police and the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force and thanked Richard J. Brueckner Jr. for his role in the prosecution.
 * Irving Henderson Jones III: Conviction of Jones for possessing fentanyl, xanax, and marijuana with the intent to distribute. The case was prosecuted by Safe Streets Prosecutor, Richard J. Brueckner Jr. Wicomico County State's Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Maryland State Police and the Salisbury Police Department for their collaborative efforts in securing the conviction of a repeat narcotics dealer. The State's Attorney's Office emphasized the significance of this conviction, especially given the potency of fentanyl and its association with many overdose deaths in Maryland and across the country.
 * Salisbury University Hate Crime Incidents: Richard J. Brueckner represented a defendant named Jackson in relation to hate crime incidents at Salisbury University. The specific details of the case were not provided in the brief summary, but it appears that Jackson agreed to plead guilty. Brueckner, as Jackson's attorney, declined to comment before Jackson's plea.

1.1 Criminal Defense Attorney
Richard J. Brueckner left his role as a criminal prosecutor and went into private practice.

Community Involvement and Youth Initiatives
Brueckner is also known for his commitment to youth initiatives, particularly the "Surf Into Integrity" program, which he founded. This program teaches values such as kindness and respect through surfing, and has gained popularity in the community.

Brueckner founded the "Surf Into Integrity" program, an initiative aimed at teaching troubled youths about integrity through the sport of surfing. The idea for the program was inspired by the book "Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life" by world champion surfer Shaun Tomson. Brueckner, an avid and lifelong surfer, believed that the lessons from the book, combined with the discipline and camaraderie of surfing, could provide valuable life lessons for young individuals.

The program's curriculum is divided into two parts:


 * 1) An afterschool learning section where students study and analyze the assigned reading from Tomson's book.
 * 2) A separate day dedicated to teaching kids how to surf.

The program emphasizes values such as kindness, friendship, trust, and respect. Before each surfing session, participants gather in a "Circle Up" on the beach, where they discuss how they benefited from the previous lesson, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

The "Surf Into Integrity"  program was launched at Stephen Decatur Middle School, located close to Ocean City. Since its inception, the program has grown in popularity, with enrollment numbers increasing each year. Brueckner collaborated with the Ocean City Surf Club, bringing in experienced surfers to help teach and mentor the students.

The initiative not only provides youth with a new skill but has also instilled in them values that they carry into their daily lives. The program's success has inspired other local youth initiatives and has had a positive impact on the community.

Personal Life
Richard J. Brueckner resides in Ocean City, Maryland, with his family. He is involved in community activities, including coaching soccer and participating in surfing.