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.


Cochran Joins Catawba County Office As Newest ADA

Drew Cochran is the newest prosecutor for the 36th Prosecutorial District, joining the Catawba County office in Newton. He was sworn in as Catawba’s newest assistant district attorney on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, by District Court Judge Amy Sigmon Walker. … Read More

Newton Woman Gets Prison Term For Trafficking Opiates

Alexa Jo Carnes, 36, of Newton, was given an active prison sentence of six to eight years for trafficking opiates (fentanyl) by possession during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. The Honorable Daniel A. Kuehnert, Superior Court … Read More