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.

Defendant Jill Rowell

Habitual Felon to Serve Four – Six Years

Jill Elizabeth Rowell, 44, of Valdese, was convicted of attempted larceny from a merchant by removing anti-theft devices and admitted her habitual felon status during Caldwell County Superior Court on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. The Honorable Lisa C. Bell, Superior … Read More

Defendant Ignacio Macedo

Prison Sentence Imposed for Child Sex Offense

Ignacio Cortez Macedo, 36, of Claremont, was given an active prison sentence of six to 12 years following his conviction for sexual crimes involving a minor during Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. The Honorable Gregory R. … Read More

Defendant Warren Raymond

District Attorney Declares Case Capital

The State will seek the death penalty in the double murder case against Warren Lee Raymond Sr., of Catawba. Prosecutors made the announcement of their intention to proceed with the case as a capital matter during Catawba County Superior Court … Read More

Defendant

Child Sex Abuse Leads to Prison Sentence

Rodriquez Darius Griffith, 31, of Hickory, was given an active prison sentence of 15 to 23 years following his conviction for multiple sexual offenses with a child during Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday, March 21, 2019. The Honorable Louis … Read More

Defendant

Plea Results in Conviction in Stabbing Death

A Hickory man who fatally stabbed his cousin could spend at least nine years in prison. Arthur Lee Robinson, 54, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to an active prison term of six to nine years by the Honorable George C. Bell, Superior … Read More

Defendant Tina Swink

Co-Defendant Sentenced in Murder Case

A Hildebran woman will spend at least 18 years in prison following her conviction for second-degree murder and larceny of a motor vehicle during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, March 18, 2019. Tina Louise Swink, 52, was given an … Read More

Lady Justice Statue

State will not Seek Death Penalty in Shooting Death

Prosecutors for the State announced during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, March 18, 2019, that they will not seek the death penalty in the murder case against 38-year-old Scott Anthony Putnam, of Conover. Putnam is charged with first-degree murder … Read More

Defendant Billy Murphy

Morganton Man Convicted in Armed Robbery

A Morganton man will spend at least six years in prison for a conviction of robbery with a dangerous weapon and larceny of a motor vehicle on Thursday, March 7, 2019, during Burke County Superior Court. Billy Earl Murphy, 43, … Read More