Johnston County District Attorney's Office

08/10/2026

The last week has been busy for the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office!

We had a few ADAs make it out to the site of the July 2026 Bar Exam to hand out well-deserved goodie bags to the test takers. Interested in a career in prosecution? Visit https://www.ncdistrictattorney.org/recruitment for more info!

The 2026 Prosecutor Academy kicked off with guest appearances from DA Waller himself, and ADA Keith Gordon.

ADA Maddy Gladwell and Sgt. Nixon with the Selma Police Department (and K9 Officer Tank, of course!) visited the Camp Pathfinder at the YMCA to chat about how we keep our community safe!

The 12th annual Johnston County & Beyond Community Back to School Youth Explosion was a huge success! Parents and kids can attend for free resources during the height of the back-to-school bustle.

08/09/2026

Congratulations Champs!!!

08/07/2026

This case is a reminder that even the maximum sentence allowed by law cannot undo the devastating harm caused by impaired driving. Mr. Archibald lost both of his legs because of a completely preventable decision to drive while impaired. While I believe the defendant deserved more time, our office prosecuted this case to the fullest extent the law allowed. She was indicted on the highest offense supported by the evidence, offered no plea agreement, and received the maximum sentence authorized by law from the sentencing judge. I am grateful for the outstanding work of Assistant District Attorney Mark Mayakis and, most importantly, for Mr. Archibald’s incredible courage and resilience throughout this case.

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — More than five months after a horrific Interstate 95 crash forever changed the life of a Smithfield man, the Virginia driver responsible has received the maximum punishment allowed by law. On August 4, Makayli Pierce, 22, of Newport News, Virginia, pleaded guilty in Johnston Cou...

07/30/2026

Last week we wrapped up our summer 2026 internship program. Our intern class was able to gain real, hands-on experience in both district court and superior court - including multiple jury trials and bench trials, probation violation hearings, pretrial motions, research projects for ongoing cases and so much more! We will miss this class of interns, and wish them the best of luck finishing their final year of law school!

Interested in our internship program? DM us with questions! ✉️

07/30/2026

We want kids to be safe while riding in cars! If you receive a ticket for not having a child properly restrained, please reach out to our partners at Safe Kids Johnston County and register for the diversion program. Help protect kids and get your case dismissed for applicable charges!

📢Introducing the NC Child Passenger Safety Diversion Program!

In partnership with the Johnston County District Attorney’s office, Safe Kids Johnston County is excited to announce we are participating in the new and improved NC Child Passenger Safety Diversion Program.

This program offers eligible individuals the opportunity to have their Child Restraint Violation Citation dismissed by completing the required steps.

Step 1: Register online at https://go.unc.edu/NCDiversion. Once registered you will receive an email with detailed instructions.

Step 2: In person appointment at Partnership for Children of Johnston County (Must call to be added to our appointment request list)

Caregivers will learn:
✅ How to choose the right car seat for your child's age, height, and weight
✅ The importance of properly using car seats and booster seats
✅ Tips for correct installation and everyday use
✅ Ways to keep your child as safe as possible on every ride

By providing caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need, we can work together to reduce injuries and save lives.

Every child deserves a safe ride. Every trip. Every time. ❤️

If you have questions about the program, please contact Jennifer Williams, Safe Kids Johnston County, Coalition Coordinator. 919.750.3703 or [email protected]

07/15/2026

Great job to all those involved on my team and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office!

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A Clayton man charged with killing his girlfriend and wounding her teenage son during a domestic violence incident has pleaded guilty and will spend the rest of his life in prison. On July 9, Jerry Ross Williams pleaded guilty in Johnston County Superior Court to first-degree mu...

07/08/2026

Death by distribution cases are some of the most difficult cases we prosecute. They demand thorough investigations, strong forensic evidence, and close collaboration with law enforcement to prove accountability beyond a reasonable doubt.

I’m grateful for the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners at Four Oaks Police Department and NC SBI for their dedication and perseverance to make it possible to seek justice for the victim and her family.

SMITHFIELD — A Selma man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to selling the drugs that prosecutors said caused the overdose death of a 19-year-old Four Oaks woman. On Monday, Isaiah Lathomas DaPaul Watson pleaded guilty to Death by Distribution in connection with the Aug. 17, 2025 o...

07/05/2026

Great job Town Of Smithfield, NC Government with your festival and fireworks on Friday night, and great crowd Celebrate Cleveland parade Saturday morning! Glad to be a participant! Thank you to all the town leaders and first responders that helped organize great Fourth of July events all over the county all weekend! Very memorable 250th celebrations.

07/03/2026

Happy July 4th from all of us at the District Attorney’s Office! We hope everyone stays safe and has a happy holiday.

07/02/2026

One year ago today I was sworn in as Johnston County’s District Attorney. While I absolutely believe this is a position that we must strive to serve the citizens of the county better every day, I am extremely proud of the work we’ve done over the past year to enhance public safety, promote efficiency, and foster relationships. I am extremely grateful to my staff, law enforcement, and our courthouse partners for helping make this year a smooth transition. It is an honor and privilege to be the District Attorney of Johnston County, and I look forward to what we are going to accomplish in the years to come.