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.


Final Defendant Sentenced In Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

The last of three men with connections to a substantial Mexican drug trafficking organization was convicted for his involvement in bringing cocaine and heroin into and through Catawba County. Juan Olmos, 56, of Claremont, was given an active prison term … Read More

Conover Man Sentenced After Plea to Sexual Offenses

Andrew Thomas Dawson, 27, of Conover, will serve an active prison sentence of nine to 21 years following his conviction for sexual offenses during Catawba County Superior Court on Monday, August 21, 2023. The Honorable Peter Knight, Superior Court Judge … Read More

Five Graduate From Catawba VTC

The Catawba County Veterans’ Treatment Court (VTC) had its second graduation ceremony on Friday, August 11, 2023, at the Catawba County Courthouse, recognizing the accomplishments of five more graduates. The ceremony honoring the achievements of Randall Shane Parris (U.S. Marines), … Read More

Robbery Offenses Lead To Prison Term For Durham Woman

A Durham woman was given an active prison term of six to nine years following her conviction for three counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and malicious conduct by a prisoner during Catawba County Superior Court. Taya McCathern, 29, … Read More

Catawba ADA Honored By NCSBI

Catawba County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Phillips recently was honored by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for her work in the prosecution of an international child sex enterprise. Phillips received the SBI Director’s Partnership Award for Merit during … Read More