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.


Co-Defendant Convicted of Robbery

Ahmad Shakim Smith, 19, of Hickory, will spend four to six years in prison after being convicted of two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, one count of common law robbery and accessory after the fact to robbery with … Read More

Lady Justice Statue

State Elects to Proceed Non-Capitally in Tony Odum Case

Prosecutors for the State announced during Burke County Superior Court last week that they will not seek the death penalty in the murder case of Tony Jerome Odum. Odum, 49, of Morganton, is charged with murder in the November 20, … Read More

Defendant Andrew Watts

Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

A Morganton man will spend six to eight years in prison following a conviction in Burke County Superior Court on January 15, 2019, for trafficking methamphetamine. Andrew Thomas Watts, 40, was given the active prison term by the Honorable Robert … Read More

Defendant Sharon Logan

Habitual Felon/Habitual Larceny Conviction

Sharon Denise Logan, 60, of Lenoir, will spend six to eight years in prison following her conviction for larceny by defeating an anti-theft device, habitual larceny and admission of her habitual felon status during Burke County Superior Court on Wednesday, … Read More

Defendant Stephanie Sipes

Lenoir Woman Convicted of Accessory

A woman tied to the shooting of a Caldwell County deputy in July 2018 will spend 32 to 51 months in prison following her conviction for accessory after the fact to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill … Read More

Reilly Sworn In

Reilly Sworn in as District Attorney

Scott Reilly was sworn in as the new District Attorney for the 36th Prosecutorial District during a ceremony held at the Catawba County Justice Center on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. In front of family, friends and supporters, Reilly and 14 … Read More