Retired Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver Jermaine Lewis celebrates District Court Re-Entry Project graduates

BALTIMORE, Md. – On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the District Court in Baltimore City celebrated the graduation of 22 participants who successfully completed the District Court Re-Entry Project (DCREP). Baltimore City District Court Judge Nicole Pastore presided and founded the program, which now has more than 280 graduates.

Judge Pastore founded the program in 2016 as a court-focused, criminal recidivism initiative offering defendants an opportunity to participate in full-time job training and job placement programs as a condition of their probation or in lieu of incarceration.

“I congratulate all the graduates on their tremendous accomplishment. I also thank Judge Pastore, the program and justice partners, and the coordinators and case managers who administer this important program,” said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. “The Re-Entry program is an opportunity for individuals to be connected to resources, support, and employment, while fostering accountability and a pathway to succeed.”

Through DCREP, a judge refers a defendant to one of 17 participating organizations that focus on preparing ex-offenders for the workforce. If the participant successfully completes the organization’s requirements, they receive an agreed-upon incentive. A judge may convert a supervised probation to an unsupervised probation, waive probation fees, or even end the defendant’s probation early. In addition, defendants who may have been sentenced to a minimal amount of jail time may have the chance to participate in DCREP in lieu of jail time

“Today, we had 22 amazing individuals graduate from the District Court Re-Entry Program who are not allowing their cases or their past to define their futures,” said Baltimore City District Court Judge Nicole Pastore. “The program is about more than punishment for a crime. It is about a second chance, an opportunity to grow, believe in yourself, and make a positive change for yourself and your family.”

“I am proud of the work that Judge Pastore and her team are doing to facilitate the District Court Re-Entry Program, which benefits the participants and the community,” said Baltimore City District Court Administrative Judge Geoffrey G. Hengerer. “The dedicated staff does a tremendous amount of work to help people to turn their lives around and the participants are just as dedicated and hardworking, making this a very successful and model program.”

Jermaine Lewis, retired Baltimore Ravens wide receiver, served as keynote speaker. Lewis attended University of Maryland and began his National Football League career with the Baltimore Ravens in 1996 and played until 2001. He was part of the Baltimore Ravens team during their win over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis’ message encouraged the graduates to embrace their opportunities and move forward in the right direction.

“I think in the long run, you’ve got to leave your mark somewhere. It’s a hard deal trying to get your kids to kind of understand how much work they have to do. They actually have to want it themselves as well,” said Jermaine Lewis, retired Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion.

Through the Re-Entry Project’s partnerships, participants have earned certifications in a variety of careers, including healthcare, hospitality, home improvement, culinary, cybersecurity, education, solar panel installation, lead paint removal, apartment maintenance, and electrical apprenticeships. One of the program’s main goals is to reduce recidivism by helping participants learn workforce skills.

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