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.


Trafficking Conviction Leads To Prison Term Of 6 To 8 Years

Casey Everett Pruitt, 35, of Hickory, was sentenced to serve six to eight years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl by possession and transportation during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, March 9, 2026. The Honorable Nathaniel J. … Read More

Taylorsville Man Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Methamphetamine

Jeremy Michael Palmer, 40, of Taylorsville, was given an active prison sentence of six to eight years following his conviction for trafficking methamphetamine by possession during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, February 23, 2026. The Honorable Sherri W. Elliott, … Read More

Morganton Man Will Serve 11 To 15 Years For Trafficking Offenses

Jaboris Rashawn Francis, 37, of Morganton, was sentenced to serve 11 to 15 years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine during Caldwell County Superior Court on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior … Read More

Trafficking Plea Nets Sentence Of 7-10 Years For Newton Man

Spencer Shawn Kain, 28, of Newton, was sentenced to serve seven to 10 years in prison following his conviction for trafficking fentanyl during Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The Honorable Sherri W. Elliott, Superior Court Judge … Read More

Conover Woman Sentenced For Trafficking Methamphetamine

Regina Vess Nelson, 52 of Conover, will serve six to eight years in prison following her conviction for trafficking methamphetamine during Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Honorable Nathaniel J. Poovey, Superior Court Judge from Catawba … Read More