NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Assistant District Attorney Jason Smith announced his candidacy for District Attorney Friday, seeking to fill the vacancy left by New Hanover and Pender County’s longtime top prosecutor, Ben David.
David, who has served as DA of the sixth prosecutorial district for 19 years, will step down on Sept. 30, 2024. David gave advance notice of his departure to give other candidates the opportunity to fill the position.
Smith began his role as assistant DA in 2010 and previously practiced in the private sector since 2001.
He also served in the United States Army and retired as a Captain in 2005.
He cited violent crime, crimes against children, gangs, and drug trafficking as the most pressing societal concerns would target in the position.
“As your District Attorney it will be my goal to zealously prosecute the most dangerous people who commit the worst crimes to the fullest extent allowed by the law,” Smith said in a statement.
After obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1999 from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, Smith moved with his wife to establish roots in Wilmington. He has attended Grace Baptist Church for 19 years, where he has volunteered and served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and board member of Wilmington Christian Academy.
Smith will hold a press conference in January to expand on his prosecutorial vision.
Tips or comments? Email journalist Peter Castagno at peter@localdailymedia.com.
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