Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, is not licensed to practice law in the state, according to the North Carolina State Bar database. The revelation follows reports that Stokes released Decarlos Brown on cashless bail prior to his arrest for the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in August.
Searches in the state’s lawyer registry show Stokes is not authorized to practice law, though North Carolina law does not require magistrate judges to hold a legal license. Stokes oversees the Charlotte District Court, and her appointment has come under scrutiny after the recent incident. Laura Loomer first reported on Stokes’ lack of licensing and additional background information about the judge.
Brown, who has a documented history of at least 14 prior arrests, was captured on video attacking Zarutska from behind on a train, stabbing her in the throat. Previous charges against him include assaulting his sister, robbery with a dangerous weapon—resulting in a five-year prison sentence—and a January misdemeanor for making false 911 calls. He has also been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Despite this record, Stokes released Brown on a written promise to appear in court, without bond or other protective measures. Following the killing, critics have questioned her decision to release him. North Carolina Republicans in the state legislature have signed a letter calling for Stokes’ removal, citing the risk her ruling posed to public safety.
