District Attorney Seth H. Edwards

As a member of the NC Criminal Justice Education, Training and Standards Commission, I was honored last Friday to stand with Matthew Robert Essink, Correctional Assistant Superintendent III at Hyde Correctional, as he received his advanced Criminal Justice Training Certificate. His wife, Colleen Patterson (to his right), received her certificate back in February as a probation and parole officer for District 2. I am proud to work along side such dedicated state employees.

Operation Medicine Drop Take-Back-Event
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a Take-Back-Event this Saturday, April 27th, from 10am to 2pm at the Lowes parking lot in Washington. Bring your unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication for safe disposal. We look forward to seeing you there.

Beaufort County has recognized Reggie Fountain's outstanding contributions to the community by declaring April 23, 2023, as Reggie Day, honoring his legacy as a racing and boat building legend who has been a fixture in the county for almost 50 years.

Today, I attended the swearing-in ceremony of Jason Ramey as a superior court judge for Rockingham County. Prior
to today he served as DA. A number of other DAs from around the state attended as well.

Wearing blue in support of child abuse prevention month.

Trooper Zach Martin gained his wings today after a courageous battle with cancer. Let’s continue to lift up his wife Ginny, their two children, and extended family

Today the Honorable Keith Mason, District Court Judge, administered the oath of Assistant District Attorney to Corey Goss, who was accompanied by family members. Corey is a native of Washington County and we look forward to working with him in our pursuit of justice.

It is a distinct pleasure to work with exceptional men and women in law enforcement, and I am thankful for their daily sacrifices in keeping us safe.

Happy New Year everyone!

Courthouses and court offices will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024 in observance of New Year’s Day.*Magistrate offices remain open 24 / 7.

https://www.witn.com/2023/12/21/sbi-cold-case-team-solves-beaufort-county-murder-after-nearly-four-decades/?outputType=amp

SBI cold case team solves Beaufort County murder after nearly four decades Marine was found murdered in northern Beaufort County 39 years ago this month

Remembering Corporal Charlie Brown and the ultimate sacrifice he made on the morning of December 08, 2009.

This judicial seat is a newly created position by our legislature in this year’s budget. I am not running against a sitting judge. Adding a second superior court judge in our judicial district has been discussed for 25+ years. It is a great honor and privilege to continue to serve the citizens of Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington counties, and it would likewise be a great honor to serve you as a superior court judge.

Longtime district attorney files for Superior Court judge seat Edwards has served as the district attorney for Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington counties for the past 21 years.

PRESS RELEASE

DATE: October 20, 2023
FROM: Seth Edwards

Washington, NC After two weeks of trial, a Beaufort County jury has convicted William Charles Waters, 36, of Second Degree Murder involving the shooting death of 44 year old Jamie “Bumper” Daniels in January of 2021. Superior Court Judge Joshua Willey sentenced Waters to a minimum of 27. 5 years and a maximum of 34 years in prison.

According to District Attorney Seth Edwards, the actual shooting and the events immediately preceding were captured on surveillance video from the Slatestone grocery store as well as ring doorbell cameras of surrounding homes. On January 11, 2021, the victim Daniels had been staying at the home of Waters on Terrapin Track Road, which is in close proximity to Slatestone Grocery. Waters is seen on video chasing Daniels, with Waters pointing a handgun in Daniel’s direction. Waters eventually catches up to Daniels in the Slatestone parking lot where a verbal argument ensues. Two other acquittances of Waters arrive as well.

The video depicts Waters chasing Daniels around a truck and eventually Waters grabs Daniels and attempts to strangle him. Daniels breaks free, and then Daniels pulls out a handgun from his waistband and points it at Waters. After a few seconds, Daniels lowers his weapon and places it behind his back. Daniels begins to back away from Waters, who likewise advances towards Daniels. Approximately 30 seconds after Daniels lowered his weapon, Waters points his handgun at Daniels and fires approximately 11 shots at Daniels, who slumps over the wooden fence in the parking lot and dies.

“It is rare for a homicide to be captured on video,” said DA Edwards, “and the video was a crucial piece of evidence in this case.” Edwards indicated that all the circumstances of the case, including but not limited to the presence of a weapon in the victim’s possession at the time of the shooting, warranted a jury instruction on the law of self-defense. The judge instructed the jury on First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and Voluntary Manslaughter. By their verdict, the jury determined that the shooting was not done with premeditation and deliberation, while at the same time the defendant did not act in self-defense even if he used an excessive amount of force. Chief Assistant District Attorney Thomas Anglim and Assistant District Attorney Alex Sefton prosecuted the case on behalf of the State.

Congratulations to legal assistant Stacy Geoffrion for achieving 15 years of service with the State of North Carolina.

Congratulations to legal assistant Penny Warren on achieving 25 years of service with the State of North Carolina.

Congratulations to Assistant District Attorney Alex Sefton on being inducted into his high school athletic hall of fame. A team player then and a team player now.

Clarke County to induct four athletes into Hall of Fame Four athletes will be inducted into Clarke County’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday night.

Short answer is no.

Can you drive 10 mph over the speed limit to keep up with traffic? What NC law says - NewsBreak Is there a grace limit for speeding in North Carolina? What to know about state laws for drivers.

Congratulations to Assistant DA Shannon Jarvis on receiving the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award from Pitt Community College. Way to go Shannon!

https://www.witn.com/2023/06/08/beaufort-co-charlotte-man-gets-11-12-years-state-prison-after-drug-conviction/

BEAUFORT CO.: Charlotte man gets 11-1/2 years in state prison after drug conviction Beaufort County District Attorney Seth Edwards says Michael Morgan was convicted yesterday for trafficking in fentanyl and methamphetamine.

PRESS RELEASE

Date: June 8, 2023
By: Seth Edwards

FENTANYL AND M**H TRAFFICKER SENT TO PRISON

Washington, NC A Charlotte drug dealer busted in Beaufort County was convicted yesterday of Trafficking in Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Michael Adarryl Morgan, 32, was sentenced to a minimum of 11.5 years and a maximum of 15. 5 years in prison. Morgan was already serving a trafficking sentence out of Mecklenburg County until 2028. The Beaufort County sentences will begin at the expiration of the Mecklenburg County sentence.

In September of 2022, the narcotics unit of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received information that a person from Charlotte would be transporting a large amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine into Beaufort County. Investigators set up surveillance near the Quality Inn in Washington and observed a man later identified as Morgan arrive in a van and exit with a large shoulder bag. Investigators observed Morgan sell a quantity of suspected fentanyl for $3,350 outside the hotel. Once Morgan returned to his hotel room, investigators entered the room and arrested Morgan.

Investigators located in the room the large shoulder bag that contained vacuum sealed packages consistent with methamphetamine and fentanyl. Based upon the results from the North Carolina Crime Lab, the defendant possessed and transported in excess of 220 grams of fentanyl and 440 grams of methamphetamine.

“Drug traffickers should avoid Beaufort County,” said District Attorney Seth Edwards. According to Edwards, a lethal dose of fentanyl only weighs two milligrams. “Suffice it to say that Morgan possessed enough dope to kill thousands, but luckily our law enforcement removed it from our streets before it had the opportunity to kill” he said.

https://www.biggsfuneral.com/obituary/maynard-harrell?lud=BAEFB54531BBDAEDBD448E5AE7EA1339&fbclid=IwAR1wvNLyt9CZIW7ZbD7-zT8H7-G1EwXQdYSKNYVTgLrb8iJm0j6YCEhrKfQ_aem_th_AdwsFbTKFfc_7UPSq91gI2Q4QZwjcJkn_HJbdarOlB2b_0IsOwcAvRipDP3SXB8SPss.

When I moved back home to Washington in 1992, attorney Jim Vosburgh recommended I join the court appointed list of attorneys representing indigent defendants in criminal matters. Maynard Harrell was one of the seasoned defense attorneys who offered me guidance as a young lawyer with only a few years under my belt. Within a couple of years I was asked by Maynard to sit as his second chair counsel in a capital murder in Hyde County. I gained invaluable experience working alongside Maynard in that case. In a case that involves the ultimate punishment, I was shocked when Maynard asked/told me I would be delivering the closing argument in the guilt/innocence phase in a death penalty trial. The evidence against our client as to guilt was strong. When I asked Maynard why, he replied, “If I stand up and argue our client is innocent when the evidence appears to say otherwise, the jury won’t listen to a word I say during the penalty phase when I try to save his life.” The jury convicted the defendant of first degree murder but deadlocked on punishment, and under NC law the judge was required to impose a life sentence. Maynard’s strategy worked.

One other quote I have borrowed from Maynard is this: ” I don’t always agree with a jury’s verdict, but I always respect it.”

Maynard was a great trial lawyer. He will be missed.

Obituary for Maynard Harrell at Biggs Funeral Home LLC. and Biggs Chapel Maynard Alex Harrell Jr. 79, was born to Eva Miller Harrell and Maynard Alex Harrell Sr. on May 3, 1944. He passed away at the age of 79 on May 25, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Janice Bembridge Harrell, one son Maynard Alex Harrell

Chief Justice Paul Newby Proclaims April 30 - May 6 as Employee Appreciation Week
for the Judicial Branch
May 3 has been proclaimed as Employee Appreciation Day

RALEIGH — Chief Justice Paul Newby has declared April 30 - May 6, 2023 as Employee Appreciation Week in the Judicial Branch. The Judicial Branch would like to recognize all the judicial officials and employees who help improve the lives of North Carolinians each day.
“Each and every day, Judicial Branch employees help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that form the foundation of our state and federal constitutions,” said Chief Justice Newby. “We recognize their contributions and thank them for
their dedication to administering justice without favor, denial, or delay.”
The Judicial Branch has more elected officials than the Executive and Legislative
branches combined, including:
• 7 Supreme Court justices
• 15 Court of Appeals judges
• 109 superior court judges
• 282 district court judges
• 100 clerks of superior court
• 42 district attorneys
The Judicial Branch handles nearly 3 million cases each year, and the entire workforce includes more than 7,000 employees in county courthouses and court offices across all 100 counties.

Courthouses and court offices will be closed on Friday, April 7 in observance of Good Friday.

*Magistrate offices remain open 24/7.

Although this did not occur in my local area, I support 100% any school board policy that authorizes action taken by school officials in Cumberland County. The safety and well being of our children as well as teachers and administrators is paramount in today’s society. The complaining parents in this article will be the first to complain when a weapon is discovered on school grounds or worse case scenario a mass shooting.

Parents say middle school students were searched illegally, threaten legal action Hope Mills Middle School parents say students were searched without their permission