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TRIED & TRUE LEADERSHIP
About Scott
Meet Scott Reilly,
Our District Attorney
Scott Reilly has built his career on a commitment to justice, fairness, and service to the community. As District Attorney, he brings decades of courtroom experience and a passion for protecting victims and strengthening the communities of Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties.
Scott Reilly brings more than three decades of legal experience to his role as District Attorney. He began his career in 1989 as an Assistant District Attorney, where he focused on prosecuting sex offenders and went on to handle cases ranging from DWIs to capital murder.
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In 1994, Scott opened his own law practice in Newton, concentrating almost exclusively on criminal defense. As a small business owner and private attorney, he represented thousands of clients and personally tried over 250 jury trials, building a reputation as a skilled and dedicated advocate.
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Since his election as District Attorney, Scott has remained committed to both justice and community service. Under his leadership, the office not only prosecutes cases efficiently across Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties, but also works to reduce case backlogs and strengthen partnerships with local law enforcement. He encourages his staff to volunteer their time and expertise to educate and support community organizations, ensuring the DA’s office plays an active role beyond the courtroom.
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Scott earned his undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University and his law degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. He and his wife, Beth, live in Conover with their children.
The Reilly Plan for Safer, Stronger Communities
As District Attorney, Scott Reilly is committed to protecting families, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring justice is served with fairness and integrity. His platform reflects a dedication to safe communities and accountability in the courtroom.
His top priorities include:
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PROTECTING FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES
Committed to keeping Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties safe by aggressively prosecuting violent offenders, drug traffickers, and repeat criminals.
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SUPPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
Working hand-in-hand with local police and sheriffs to ensure officers have the tools and backing they need to protect our neighborhoods.
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SWIFT & FAIR JUSTICE
Reducing court backlogs, streamlining case management, and ensuring that every case is handled efficiently, fairly, and with respect for victims.
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DEFENDING VICTIMS' RIGHTS
Standing with victims and their families every step of the way, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected in the courtroom.
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TOUGH ON CRIME & REPEAT OFFENDERS
Holding career criminals accountable while sending a clear message that crime will not be tolerated in our community.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION
Leading efforts to educate citizens and students on public safety, legal rights, and crime prevention, while encouraging DA staff to serve as volunteers and mentors.
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ACCOUNTABILITY & INTEGRITY
Upholding the highest ethical standards in the District Attorney’s office, ensuring decisions are based on facts, fairness, and the rule of law — not politics.
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The Reilly Record of Results:
Over the past seven years, our office has achieved remarkable progress in making Catawba County a safer place to call home.
A few examples of our accomplishments include:
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ESTABLISHING ONE OF NORTH CAROLINA'S FINEST VETERANS TREATMENT COURTS
We created a model program that has celebrated six graduations and is recognized statewide as a leader in veterans. Other counties now look to Catawba County to replicate our success, helping
their lives with dignity and purpose.
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PRIORITIZING THE MOST SERIOUS CRIMES
Our office has focused relentlessly on prosecuting sex offenses against minors, delivering justice for victims and accountability for offenders. In three months, we secured three first-degree murder convictions: Jessie Crawford and Dylan received life sentences, while Isaac Christianberry was convicted on three counts of first-degree sentenced to three consecutive life sentences. Additionally, in a landmark case this year, was convicted of numerous sex offenses against minors and received a sentence of 152 to 248 prison, ensuring he will never harm another child.
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FIGHTING THE DRUG CRISIS
We have aggressively targeted drug traffickers and distributors fentanyl and broader drug crisis in our community. Notable convictions include Mayor Vasquez, convicted by a jury and sentenced to 57 to 75 years, and William Brawley, also convicted by a sentenced to 18 to 23 years. We have secured numerous convictions for death by distribution, tragic case of Lucas Schronce, who was convicted of second-degree murder after allowing accessible in a home where his 19-month-old child ingested it and died.
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STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS
Our office has built strong relationships with local, state and enforcement agencies to ensure that public safety remains the highest priority and those who violate our laws and endanger the lives of our citizens are brought to justice.
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