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.


Morganton Woman Sentenced up to 11 Years for Robbery, Assault

Kristen Jewel Ellis, 26, of Morganton, will spend at least seven years in prison following her conviction for multiple criminal offenses during Burke County Superior Court on Monday, January 6, 2020. The Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior Court Judge from Burke … Read More

Prison Imposed against Hickory Man for DWI Death

Jeffrey Blain Bumgarner, 57, of Hickory, was given an active prison sentence of 44 to 65 months following his conviction for felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired and felony hit and run/death. The Honorable Steven Warren, Superior Court Judge … Read More

Michael Henderson

Pair of Break-Ins Leads to 5-7 Years for Career Criminal

Michael Scott Henderson, 38, of Hiddenite, will spend five to seven years in prison after he was convicted of two counts of attempted breaking and entering, attempted larceny after breaking and entering, and admitting his habitual felon status during Catawba … Read More