Union County District Attorney's Office

03/30/2026

Beware of a new wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to come from the North Carolina DMV and threatening license suspension, fines, and other penalties.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson. Find North Carolina's Department of Justice information today.

02/27/2026

Today, a Union County jury found Maurice Lamon Stitt, 42, guilty of two counts of first degree r**e of a child, two counts of first degree s*x offense with a child, and four counts of indecent liberties with a child. Stitt was sentenced to the maximum punishment allowable by law, totaling 96-118 years in prison.

If Stitt is ever released from prison, he is required to register as a s*x offender for the rest of his natural life.

The State’s evidence showed that Stitt began molesting the victim in July 2003 when she was 11 years old. The abuse continued for several years, despite the victim disclosing the abuse to several adults while it was occurring. As an adult, the victim came forward to law enforcement, seeking closure and accountability.

“I’m gratified that the jury did the right thing and held Mr. Stitt to account for his terrible crimes,” District Attorney Trey Robison said. “The fact that, as a child, this victim had disclosed the terrible things that were happening to her and had gotten no help from the adults in her life is heartbreaking and infuriating. I’m happy that we were able to obtain a measure of justice for her, all of these years later.”

This case was investigated by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by ADA Megan Pfuntner.

02/10/2026

With this political season upon us, the Union County District Attorney's Office offers a friendly reminder that under North Carolina General Statute § 136-32(e), it is a Class 3 misdemeanor for anyone to steal, deface, vandalize, or unlawfully remove a political sign that is lawfully placed. A Class 3 misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 20 days in jail and a fine of up to $200.

No matter who you support or what you believe, we are all neighbors in this community. Let’s work together to ensure everyone’s property and safety are respected during this election season.

If you see suspicious activity involving political signs, please report it immediately by calling 911.

01/16/2026

Today, a Union County jury found Richard Thomas Horne, 52, guilty of two counts of statutory s*x offense, one count of statutory r**e, and one count of in**st. The presiding judge sentenced him to serve three consecutive sentences totaling 65 to 88.75 years in prison.

The State’s evidence showed that between 2010 and 2012, the defendant began molesting his biological daughter by forcing her to perform fe****io while her mother was working as a night nurse. At the time, she was between four and six years old. Horne continued s*xually assaulting his daughter until 2018. The abuse was uncovered in July 2021 when the victim’s stepsister inadvertently discovered text messages between the victim and a friend.

“I am thankful that this jury was able to see the truth and provide this young woman some measure of justice for all she has been through,” District Attorney Trey Robison said. “ I commend her for her courage in seeing this case through and I hope she can continue the healing process.”

Should Horne ever be released from prison, he is required to register as a s*x offender for the remainder of his natural life and be subject to satellite based monitoring.

This case was investigated by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by ADA Megan Pfuntner.

12/09/2025

On the day his jury trial was set to begin, Elias Badri Walid Francis, 24, pled guilty as charged to felony death by motor vehicle. He was sentenced by the presiding judge to serve 54-77 months in prison.

On the evening of April 21, 2023, Francis crossed the center line of Unionville-Indian Trail Road, while moving at a high rate of speed, and struck victim Alfredo Palacio, who was driving in the opposite direction, head-on. Palacio was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Immediately prior to the wreck, Francis had been drinking at a Charlotte restaurant and had been cut off by the bartender due to his obvious inebriation. As a friend attempted to secure a safe ride home for him, Francis snuck out of the restaurant, got in his vehicle, and left the area.

A blood test confirmed the defendant’s blood alcohol level was a 0.16 approximately three hours after the fatal collision.

This case was investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and prosecuted by ADAs Heidi Eggles and Greyson Whitaker.

11/05/2025

On November 5, 2025 a Union County jury found three men guilty of murdering 13-year-old Bay’Asia “Loyalti” Allah. Defendants Jamari McClain, Darius Roland, and Jamerik Garmon were each found guilty of first degree murder and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Garmon was also sentenced to an additional, consecutive 17-30 months in prison for possession of firearm by convicted felon.

The State’s evidence showed that on July 24, 2021, the defendants planned and carried out a drive-by shooting at the 1600-block of the Icemorlee Street Apartment Complex in Monroe. The group had armed themselves with an AR-15, two semiautomatic handguns with extended magazines, ski masks, and a backpack full of extra ammunition. When the defendants drove by and opened fire into a large group of people outside the apartments, they struck 13-year-old Loyalti rather than their intended target. Loyalti had been sitting on a picnic table with friends when she was fatally shot. Following the shooting, the defendants fled to Charlotte, destroyed multiple pieces of evidence, and did their best to avoid identification. They were eventually identified and apprehended by law enforcement.

“This was a shocking and senseless murder,” said District Attorney Trey Robison. “This child was minding her own business when she was shot by these callous men who had no regard whatsoever of who they might hit. This type of violence will not be tolerated. Our police officers will continue to do everything in their power to investigate and arrest the people that commit violent crimes and the Union County District Attorney’s Office will do everything in our power to put those people in prison.”

This case was investigated by the Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by ADAs Thomas Clark and Mary Beth Usher.

09/12/2025

07/25/2025

A Union County jury found Pierre Casimir, 50, guilty today of three counts of indecent liberties with a child. He was sentenced by the presiding judge to serve a total of 32-49 months in prison. Upon his release, Casimir is required to register as a s*x offender for a period of 30 years.

The State’s evidence showed that starting 2010, Casimir repeatedly abused his position as a trusted family member and molested two victims, ages 7 and 12. This abuse continued for approximately four years and remained a secret until 2022 when both women—now adults—reported to law enforcement.

“I commend the courage of these victims to come forward and see this process through,” said District Attorney Trey Robison. “I hope that the jury’s verdicts can afford some semblance of closure and justice after all of these years.”

This case was investigated by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by ADA Megan Pfuntner.

06/12/2025

The Union County District’s Attorney’s Office is excited to continue its collaboration with the non-profit organization M.A.R.C.U.S. (“Mothers Advocating for Real Change and Unwavering Support”) in creating a local Homicide Victims Family Support Group. For those who have lost a loved ones to violent homicide, this support group strives to offer strength and comfort.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at South Piedmont Community College, Building A Room 1601 at 4209 Old Charlotte Highway.

Meetings are open to all who have lost loved ones to homicide, including those homicides that may have taken place in another jurisdiction.

The Union County District Attorney’s Office is actively seeking community partners to volunteer their professional assistance in facilitating and to sponsor refreshments for the group.

06/06/2025

🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨
No, the is not texting you from the Philippines demanding you pay money for a past ticket.

There is so much wrong with this scam text. Don't fall for it.

05/16/2025

The Union County District Attorney's Office was proud to be a partner in the implementation and success of last night's inaugural Union County Homicide Victim Family Support Group meeting. Through our collaboration with M.A.R.C.U.S. (Mothers Advocating for Real Change and Unwavering Support - Marcus), we are better able to service the victims of violent homicide in our community.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 6 p.m. at South Piedmont Community College Building A, Room 1601. We continue to seek the assistance of community partners for facilitation of these meetings and refreshments.

On May 15th, M.A.R.C.U.S. proudly launched the Union County Homicide Victims Support Group in partnership with the Union County District Attorney’s Office. This event marks a significant milestone for us as we come together to offer comfort and understanding to grieving families.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Sheriff Eddie Cathey, Mayor David Cohn, and Union County District Attorney Trey Robison, whose presence and support underscore the importance of community involvement in healing and advocacy. Your solidarity reinforces our mission.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 6 p.m. at South Piedmont Community College Building A, Room 1601.

05/07/2025

The Union County District’s Attorney’s Office is incredibly excited to announce its collaboration with the non-profit organization M.A.R.C.U.S. (“Mothers Advocating for Real Change and Unwavering Support”) in creating a local Homicide Victims Family Support Group. For those who have lost a loved ones to violent homicide, this support group strives to offer strength and comfort.

The inaugural meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Indian Trail Town Hall at 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road.

Meetings are open to all who have lost loved ones to homicide, including those homicides that may have taken place in another jurisdiction.

The Union County District Attorney’s Office is actively seeking community partners to volunteer their professional assistance in facilitating and to sponsor refreshments for the group.