Johnston County District Attorney's Office

10/30/2026

Happy Halloween from the DA’s Office! We had some guest stars from the Hundred Acre Wood join us for traffic court today! 🎃

10/24/2026

Beautiful day at the Clayton Harvest Festival! Great job Town of Clayton, NC Government and Clayton Police Department!

10/22/2026

Last week, our office was proud to participate in two important community events in Johnston County.

At National Night Out at Flowers Plantation in Clayton, we joined law enforcement, first responders, and residents to build strong relationships and strengthen the partnerships that help keep our communities safe. We appreciate everyone that stopped by to say hello!

In Smithfield, we attended the Empty Chair at the Table Vigil hosted by Harbor Shelter honoring those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The empty chair is a powerful reminder that every life lost leaves behind family and friends who feel the absence of their loved one every day.

We are grateful to be part of a community committed to building a safer, stronger, and more connected Johnston County.

10/20/2026

This was a heartbreaking tragedy that took the life of a member of our community. On October 14, our office secured a conviction for death by motor vehicle following a bench trial in District Court. As the article explains, the evidence did not show impairment, excessive speed, or other reckless conduct.

The 24-day sentence must be understood in the context of the misdemeanor offense and the evidence presented in the case. While no outcome can undo this loss, our office believed it was important to pursue the case and bring it to resolution.

Our office moved quickly to bring the case to trial while working within the time constraints created by a federal immigration detainer.

I want to specifically recognize Assistant District Attorney Keith Gordon and Legal Assistant Tammy Norris for their work to bring this case to trial so quickly, including coordinating the witnesses needed to proceed. Their efforts helped ensure the case was heard promptly.

Our thoughts remain with Ms. Lyon’s family and all those who knew and loved her.

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – A Wayne County man has been found guilty and sentenced to 24 days in jail for a September crash that killed a 76-year-old Smithfield woman as she crossed a downtown street in a marked crosswalk. Selvin Adelso Vasquez-Perez, age 20, was found guilty Oct. 14 of death by motor vehi...

10/10/2026

Our District Court team collaborated with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and the Smithfield Police Department in putting on our first Driving While Impaired prosecution boot camp. ADAs and officers worked together to promote better understanding of roadside DWI investigations, court procedures, and everything in between to help further our joint goal of more successful Driving While Impaired prosecutions.

09/20/2026

We’ve welcomed a few new staff members and interns over the last couple of weeks. Scarlett Guerrero and Victoria Nales joined us as legal assistants that will be assisting victims, citizens, and law enforcement officers in district and superior courts. We’re proud that both of them are former interns with our office and bring that experience to their permanent positions.

Speaking of interns, Grace Lucas is an undergraduate student at N.C. State and will be assisting legal assistants this fall. Lindsey Baker is in her third year of law school at Campbell and will be working with assistant district attorneys in court utilizing the State’s third-year practice certification. We’re excited to support and mentor both of them as they learn about working at a District Attorney’s Office.

Hunter Brown was sworn in by Chief District Court Judge Frank Wood as Johnston County’s first Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA). Hunter is a North Carolina native and received his undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and his law degree from the University of Louisville. He is a career prosecutor with experience at both state and federal prosecutor offices in Texas. The SAUSA position officers an ADA the unique experience of working for the District Attorney but prosecuting cases primarily in federal court. The goal of the position is to enhance public safety and efficiency by working closely with our federal partners to identify which jurisdiction a case is best suited for prosecution and move that case efficiently through the appropriate court by consistent communication. Hunter will focus on violent crimes and drug trafficking.

We’re excited to have these new employees in the office and look forward to watching them grow in their respective roles.

09/11/2026

Never Forget.

08/10/2026

The last week has been busy for the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office!

We had a few ADAs make it out to the site of the July 2026 Bar Exam to hand out well-deserved goodie bags to the test takers. Interested in a career in prosecution? Visit https://www.ncdistrictattorney.org/recruitment for more info!

The 2026 Prosecutor Academy kicked off with guest appearances from DA Waller himself, and ADA Keith Gordon.

ADA Maddy Gladwell and Sgt. Nixon with the Selma Police Department (and K9 Officer Tank, of course!) visited the Camp Pathfinder at the YMCA to chat about how we keep our community safe!

The 12th annual Johnston County & Beyond Community Back to School Youth Explosion was a huge success! Parents and kids can attend for free resources during the height of the back-to-school bustle.

08/09/2026

Congratulations Champs!!!

08/07/2026

This case is a reminder that even the maximum sentence allowed by law cannot undo the devastating harm caused by impaired driving. Mr. Archibald lost both of his legs because of a completely preventable decision to drive while impaired. While I believe the defendant deserved more time, our office prosecuted this case to the fullest extent the law allowed. She was indicted on the highest offense supported by the evidence, offered no plea agreement, and received the maximum sentence authorized by law from the sentencing judge. I am grateful for the outstanding work of Assistant District Attorney Mark Mayakis and, most importantly, for Mr. Archibald’s incredible courage and resilience throughout this case.

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — More than five months after a horrific Interstate 95 crash forever changed the life of a Smithfield man, the Virginia driver responsible has received the maximum punishment allowed by law. On August 4, Makayli Pierce, 22, of Newport News, Virginia, pleaded guilty in Johnston Cou...