Jamal Montez Summey today released a statement on his decision to file for the office of district attorney following an announcement by sitting DA Valerie Asbell that she would be retiring.

He will be running against current Assistant District Attorney Kim Gourier Scott in the May 17 primary.

Personal and professional background

Resident of Roanoke Rapids

Graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, 1994

Graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1997

Former assistant district attorney for Hertford, Northampton, Halifax, and Bertie counties with five years of prior experience

24-plus years of criminal law practice in Halifax, Northampton, Hertford and Bertie counties

Over 80 murder cases resolved over career

19 years of office management experience

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Statement on decision to run

“I am running to serve the people as their district attorney because as a member of this community, I see the rampant rise in crime and the little effort being made to address this problem by our court system.  I'm ready to serve my community.”

He said, “The district attorney is employed by the people, for the people. If elected, I will do everything within my power to serve our citizens with integrity, transparency, and dedication.  Accessibility to the citizens and being held accountable by the citizens are staples in effective leadership. My campaign is centered around three pillars: Competent leadership, community involvement and case resolution.”

Statement on case backlog

“I will come to work, and I will work.  The backlog of cases is overwhelming in this district.  My plan is to work closely with our judges, law enforcement, and clerk offices to ensure that victims and those being held in jail have their day in court.  

“I will be transparent and accessible to those I serve. I will also aim to get jail numbers down, to save the tax-paying citizens money by not having to care for offenders awaiting trial for long periods of time.”

He said, “With the working relationship of our judiciary and clerks, I will request and organize special sessions of court to clear our jails and bring closure to victims.  Further, it’s not always serious felonies that impact citizens. Anytime a citizen or victim loses time from their job to have a matter resolved, they need to know their district attorney will do all they can to be sure their time is not wasted.”

Pending murder cases

“There are too many murder cases and serious felonies pending in these four counties.  Our crime rate is rampant, and our court case loads are overburdened.  These cases must be tried in a more timely manner. The district needs a district attorney who will effectively manage the people’s office, evaluate cases and try them. I am prepared to lead this feat.”

He said, “It's going to take a collaborative effort across multiple state agencies, but it can be done.  It must be done. The backlog of cases across our district must be addressed immediately.  We cannot afford to continue with ‘more of the same’ policies and approaches that currently exist.”

Case resolution

“Case resolution is a key component to my campaign. This is a huge concern, as it should be. It is problematic because it impacts all of us in the community. People awaiting trial are fathers and mothers who’s loved ones are awaiting a resolution. And our victims are adjusting to life and need cases resolved to heal. The overly abundant violent cases still pending is a grave concern for me.”

How to address case resolution

Prioritize the oldest jail/not-in-jail cases

Evaluate cases and evidence

Organize special sessions so it does not delay the business of the court already scheduled 

Try the cases and bring resolve to the victims and those waiting for trial. “Keeping the pattern of continuing cases more and more like the current administration will not help with case resolution. Yes, it's going to take time, but I am committed to the job.” 

Competent leadership

“Competent leadership is one of my campaign pillars. As the people’s district attorney, cases will be properly reviewed, screened, indicted, prepared for trial, and tried. Adequate preparation will be a collaborative effort with my office and law enforcement agencies.  Part of trial preparation includes meeting with officers, witnesses and knowing the case. This type of work ethic demands me and my staff to study our cases and be ready when court begins. 

“I will be hands-on, assisting my team in the preparation and prosecution of cases. I will also seek opportunities to train my staff and law enforcement officers to ensure we are doing our best for the citizens in our district. Further, I will aim to be sure our office has steady communication with victims, so they know their district attorney is committed to their family and case.”

Cases not being tried or directly prosecuted 

“My opponent is part of the current district attorney’s office. Per the Administrative Office of Courts website, a simple criminal case activity report by prosecutorial districts query search shows that cases are not being tried nor directly prosecuted. We are currently receiving a failing grade.

“Pre-Covid numbers were just as abysmal as current numbers. The numbers speak for themselves. Conviction numbers and case resolution cannot take place until the district has a district attorney who has not aided in the backlog but is prepared to address it. If elected to serve the people, my goals will be each day I serve as district attorney to give a voice to the people and seek justice.”

Adult day treatment court program

“As elected district attorney, I would like to implement an adult day treatment court program throughout the district to help offenders addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. The drug court treatment program could allow non-violent offenders to undergo counseling and treatment as an alternative to prison. This type of program is being utilized in 26 counties throughout the state. “State resources are available, so this effort does not cost taxpayers more money. This effort will reduce crime recidivism rates and drug related court workloads.”

Community involvement

“Lastly, community involvement is key in my service as district attorney. I plan to hold quarterly roundtable meetings so citizens can speak with me outside of my office, ask questions and share their concerns. If privileged to serve as your next district attorney, I’ll serve with dedicated service to ensure I am a voice for the people committed to competent leadership, community involvement and case resolution.”