Perdue appoints DA to new judicial district

Gov. Beverly Perdue on Thursday appointed Vernon K. Stewart the district attorney for a new prosecutorial district in Harnett and Lee counties.

“Vernon Stewart has the respect and confidence of the public, law enforcement and attorneys in Harnett and Lee counties,” she said in a statement. “The citizens of the new prosecutorial district should have every confidence that justice will be administered fairly by District Attorney Stewart."

The General Assembly created the 11-A prosecutorial district last year, splitting it from Johnston County. The post becomes effective Jan. 15.

Stewart is a lifelong resident of Harnett County and has more than 24 years of experience in both state and federal and civil courts. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Campbell University.