Gun control seems to be having expected results in Maryland. That is, gun crime continues to be a big problem. So, being the deep blue state that they are, they're going to try doing it again only harder.

Handguns were used in 83 percent of the homicides in the county this year. County police are still analyzing how many were illegal gun possessions and whether any of the guns involved in these cases were registered to the alleged shooters is still under investigation.

The increasing homicides in the county � a 17 percent increase from this time last year � many of which began over trivial conflicts, have led Ivey to seek a one-year minimum sentence for all first-time illegal gun possessions, even if the defendant was not involved in any other criminal activity.

So Maryland is going to crack down on gun possession with stiffer penalties. Well, just so long as jails don't get too crowded.

"At 1,500, we would be pretty crowded," said Vicki Duncan, public information officer for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections.

Even if the illegal gun prosecutions cause the jail to swell beyond capacity, Duncan said there are always creative sentencing options to consider. Alternatives include pretrial release and electronic monitoring with ankle bracelets for detainees awaiting court sentencing.

"You could get that kind of sentence, but then that sentence can be served on home detention," Duncan said.

In related news, Richmond (VA) bank robbers seem to be enjoying Wachovia's anti-gun policy.

Two Wachovia banks were robbed within 15 minutes yesterday in Henrico and Chesterfield counties. Police don't believe the holdups are related.

The first robbery occurred about 10:15 a.m. when two men entered the Wachovia at 5610 Brook Road in Henrico County. Both suspects wore facial coverings; one was armed with a pistol. No shots were fired and no one was hurt. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

At 10:30 a.m., two suspects entered the Wachovia at 11124 Midlothian Turnpike near Chesterfield Towne Center and ordered customers and employees to the floor. One of the suspects jumped the counter, removed cash from teller stations and placed the money in a bag.

They then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was hurt.

I guess they didn't see the "no guns" sign on the door.