By Chris Long, Staff Writer, Wilson Times September 20, 2026 The Wilson Times is publishing profile stories on local candidates leading up to the Nov. 3 election. This is the first installment in the district attorney race for the North Carolina 8th Prosecutorial District between Republican Jeff Marsigli and Democrat Rena Spellman. Early voting in Wilson County begins at 8 a.m. on Oct. 15 and ends at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Jeff Marsigli, district attorney for North Carolina’s 8th

By Drew C. Wilson | Wilson Times | DECEMBER 15, 2022 Jeff Marsigli said his focus as the new district attorney will be to lower the tri-county crime rate. Marsigli, 48, will be sworn in Jan. 1 to lead North Carolina's 8th Prosecutorial District, which includes Wilson, Nash and Edgecombe counties. In a Dec. 8 interview with The Wilson Times, Marsigli said he's honored to take the helm from Robert Evans, who held the position since 2009. A Republican, Marsigli defeated the Demo

North Carolina Constitution Art. I, § 37. Rights of victims of crime Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by Findlaw Staff (1) Basic rights.  Victims of crime or acts of delinquency shall be treated with dignity and respect by the criminal justice system. (1a) Enumerated rights.  When the crime or act of delinquency is one against or involving the person of the victim or is equivalent to a felony property crime, the victim is entitled to the following rights: (a) The righ

By Drew C. Wilson | dwilson@wilsontimes.com | 252-265-7818 WILSON — District Attorney Jeff Marsigli said he worked toward two main goals in 2023: establishing a district-level court to dispose of low-level felonies and overseeing the first prosecutions under North Carolina's death by distribution law ratified in September. Marsigli, sworn in on Jan. 1, 2023, has completed his first year as head of the state's 8th Prosecutorial District, which includes Wilson, Nash and Edgecom

US ATTORNEY'S OFFICE PRESS RELEASE | Friday, May 10, 2024 WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to the statutory maximum of 180 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and for shooting at Rocky Mount Police Department (RMPD) officers who were attempting to apprehend him. On November 8, 2023, Antonio Maurice Wilkins, Sr., pled guilty to the charge. “Law enforcement officers are being shot in the line of duty far too often. We won’t stand by and

Wilson, Nash, and Edgecombe counties share interconnected public safety challenges, particularly related to drug trafficking along major transportation corridors and the regional impact of the opioid epidemic. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts among local agencies, prosecutors, and community organizations across county lines. Public safety is strongest when prosecutors work hand-in-hand with law enforcement, schools, local governments, treatment providers,

Since 2013, Wilson County has recorded approximately 233 drug-related deaths, with 65% involving fentanyl. Nash County has recorded approximately 288 drug-related deaths, with 63% involving fentanyl. Edgecombe County has recorded approximately 201 drug-related deaths, with 63% involving fentanyl. Under North Carolina's Death by Distribution law, District 8 has been among the districts actively pursuing these cases against fentanyl dealers. The fentanyl crisis continues to thr

District 8 continues to experience significant criminal caseloads while serving three counties. Recent state judicial staffing analyses recognized the growing workload by approving additional prosecutor positions for District 8, underscoring the importance of experienced leadership to manage increasing demands efficiently. With more than 23 years of prosecutorial experience, Jeffrey Marsigli brings the steady leadership, legal judgment, and courtroom experience needed to mana

District 8 serves more than 220,000 residents across Wilson, Nash, and Edgecombe counties. Prosecuting violent crime efficiently and supporting victims requires strong partnerships among prosecutors, law enforcement, victim advocates, and the courts. Timely case resolution helps reduce trauma for victims while strengthening public confidence in the justice system. Every victim deserves to be heard, respected, and represented throughout the criminal justice process. Jeffrey Ma