A magistrate judge who lacks legal licensing in North Carolina released a repeat offender on cashless bail months before he allegedly murdered a Ukrainian refugee on a public train, sparking outrage among state lawmakers.
Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes does not appear as a qualified attorney in North Carolina’s official database of registered lawyers.
When her name is searched in the North Carolina State Bar lawyer look-up tool, an error message appears, indicating she cannot practice law professionally in the state.
The database revelation emerged after Stokes released Decarlos Brown on a written promise to appear in court following his most recent arrest before the fatal stabbing incident.
Brown later allegedly killed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in August.
State law does not require magistrate judges in North Carolina to hold law licenses.
Stokes oversees cases in the Charlotte District within Mecklenburg County Court.
Brown was captured on video footage released over the weekend approaching Zarutska from behind while she sat on a train.
The footage shows him stabbing her in the throat before towering over the victim as she sat in apparent shock.
No passengers provided immediate assistance to Zarutska in the moments following the attack, according to the released video evidence.
The Ukrainian refugee died from her injuries.
The Post Millennial highlighted that court records reveal Brown had been arrested 14 times prior to the fatal incident.
His most recent arrest involved filing a false 911 report after police conducted a welfare check at his residence.
During the welfare check, Brown told responding officers he had been given a “man-made material” that controlled his actions.
When police expressed skepticism about his claims, Brown became agitated and subsequently called 911 with false reports.
Brown’s criminal history includes previous arrests for assaulting his sister and a conviction for robbery with a dangerous weapon.
He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to court documents.
Despite this extensive criminal background, Stokes released Brown on what officials describe as a “written promise” that he would appear for his scheduled court date.
No bond was required for his release.
The case details were first reported by journalist Laura Loomer, who investigated Stokes’ background and qualifications.
Loomer uncovered additional information about the magistrate judge’s appointment to the Charlotte District court.
State Republicans have responded to the incident by drafting a formal letter demanding Stokes’ removal from her judicial position.
Multiple North Carolina GOP lawmakers signed the document criticizing her decision-making.
The letter specifically cited Brown’s criminal record, which included “at least 14 prior arrests for serious offenses such as possession of a firearm by a felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and physical assault of his sister.”
Lawmakers noted his 2014 sentencing to five years in prison for robbery with a dangerous firearm.
Republicans characterized Brown’s January charge as a Class 1 misdemeanor that “arose after Brown became combative with police officers.”
The letter criticized Stokes for releasing Brown “without requiring bond or imposing any meaningful conditions to safeguard the public.”
The lawmakers’ statement emphasized Brown’s “history of violent and unstable behavior” and questioned the judgment shown in his release.
They argued the decision failed to protect community safety given his documented pattern of criminal activity.
