News and Press Releases from the DA's Office

Below you will find information about the latest pleas, trials, and important developments in Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties. As an office, we are bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct for all North Carolina attorneys, and special rules for prosecutors. Therefore, we often only comment on cases after final disposition.

For all media inquiries and requests, for all three counties, please contact Nathan Key by phone: 828-695-6193 or email: Nathan.D.Key@nccourts.org.


Methamphetamine Trafficking Nets Sentence Of 6 To 8 Years

Phillip James Preston, 42, of Sherrills Ford, was sentenced to serve six to eight years in prison following his conviction for trafficking methamphetamine by possession during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The Honorable Peter Knight, Superior … Read More

Granite Falls Resident Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Fentanyl

A Granite Falls man will serve seven to 10 years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl by possession during Caldwell County Superior Court on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The Honorable Gary Gavenus, Superior Court Judge from Yancey County, … Read More

Burke Jury Returns Guilty Verdict For Child Sex Offenses

A jury returned a guilty verdict for 56-year-old Cornelius Sylvanus Burnett on child sex offenses to conclude a week-long trial in Burke County Superior Court on Monday, November 10, 2025. The Honorable Gary Gavenus, Superior Court Judge from Yancey County, … Read More

Granite Falls Man Convicted For Trafficking Fentanyl

Kenneth Christopher Day, 26, of Granite Falls, was sentenced to serve seven to 10 years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl during Caldwell County Superior Court on October 27, 2025. The Honorable Tommy Davis, Superior Court Judge from … Read More

Trafficking Conviction Leads To Prison Term Of 7 To 10 Years

Tracy Shane Campos, 33, of Hickory, was sentenced to serve seven to 10 years in prison following her conviction for trafficking opioids by transportation during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The Honorable Nathaniel J. Poovey, Superior … Read More

Caldwell Man Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine

A Caldwell County man will serve 11 to 15 years in prison following his conviction for trafficking methamphetamine by possession and transportation during Caldwell County Superior Court recently. Keenan Ryan Michaux, 35, was given the active sentence by the Honorable … Read More