NC Conference of District Attorneys

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate and congratulate the outstanding individuals recognized at the 2025 MADD North Carolina Awards!

This year, the title of Victim Advocate of the Year was awarded to Abigail Burchfield, a dedicated Legal Assistant from Cabarrus County. Abigail's unwavering commitment to supporting victims and her tireless efforts to promote justice have made a significant impact in her community.

Ashton Mangum, an Assistant District Attorney from Wake County, has been honored with the title of Prosecutor of the Year for 2025. Ashton's exemplary work in the courtroom, coupled with her relentless pursuit of justice for victims, showcases her remarkable dedication to the legal profession and the community she serves.

Additionally, we are proud to announce that Sarah Garner, the NCCDA Chief Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, has received the 2025 MADD Hero Award. Sarah's exceptional leadership in advocating for traffic safety reflects her deep commitment to making our roads safer for everyone.

Join us as we celebrate each of these awardees for their incredible contributions and hard work in advocating for victims and promoting public safety. Your dedication to this crucial cause does not go unnoticed!

06/11/2026

Please see the following press release from District Attorney Matthew Wareham (Prosecutorial District 4)

WESTRUP SENTENCED TO A MAXIMUM OF 119 YEARS IN PRISON

New Bern, North Carolina – District Attorney Matt Wareham announced that on Tuesday, June 9th, a Craven County Jury convicted Robert Joseph Westrup, age 46 of New Bern, of four counts of Attempted Murder, four counts of Assault on Law Enforcement Officer with Firearm, and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon. The trial began on Monday, June 1st and concluded with a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, June 10th where he was sentenced to serve nine consecutive judgments, including an aggravated sentence of Attempted Murder on Craven County Deputy Zach Bellingham. In total the Defendant was ordered to serve a minimum of ninety-four (94) years to one hundred and nineteen (119) years in the Department of Adult Corrections.

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

Please join me in welcoming our newest Assistant District Attorneys, ADA Jace Ortman and ADA Brandon Harrison, to our District Attorney’s Office!

These talented young attorneys could have chosen to practice anywhere across North Carolina, but they chose to serve the people of Anson, Richmond, and Scotland Counties. Their commitment to public service and community safety is commendable, and I am excited to have them join our team.

I look forward to the contributions they will make as we continue our mission of seeking justice, supporting victims, and building safer communities for all.

Welcome to the team, ADA Ortman and ADA Harrison!

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

In recognition of National Recovery Court Month, the recovery courts from Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties participated in the fourth annual Recovery Court Kickball Tournament held at Jacobs Fork Park on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Also participating were teams from the Catawba County Veterans’ Treatment Court, Cognitive Connections Treatment Provider and the Flynn Home, a recovery house in Morganton. The annual tournament is used as a team-building exercise and to bring awareness to recovery courts offered in the 36th Prosecutorial District. Approximately 100 people showed up from the community to provide support and help growth of those involved in all the recovery programs offered in the district.

06/01/2026

Join us TODAY for the Annual Gun Lock Giveaway presented by the Durham County District Attorney's Office, NC SAFE, and Durham County Department of Public Health! We will be outside of the Durham County Courthouse from 10am to 2pm. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win an Alpha Elite Firearm Lock Box!