Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) is leading an effort among North Carolina House Republicans to seek the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes. The move follows the release of a repeat offender by Judge Stokes, who later killed Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian woman, on Charlotte’s light rail system. The letter requesting her removal is addressed to Chief District Court Judge Roy Wiggins.
“North Carolina’s justice system failed Iryna Zarutska. She came to Charlotte looking for safety and a better life, but instead, she was brutally murdered by a repeat offender who never should’ve been let back on the streets,” said Congressman Moore. “Judge Stokes had the chance to protect the public and chose not to. It’s clear that she’s unfit to hold this consequential position and should be removed from the bench immediately.”
In their letter, the lawmakers wrote, “By releasing a repeat violent offender on nothing more than his written promise to appear, Magistrate Stokes displayed a willful failure to perform the duties of her office and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, as set forth in N.C.G.S. § 7A-173(a).”
They also called for further investigation into Judge Stokes’ past decisions: “We further request that the Court conduct a thorough review of her prior bond determinations to assess the full extent of misconduct.”
Magistrate judges in North Carolina are appointed officials responsible for early decisions in criminal cases, including setting bond and release conditions. Unlike elected judges, magistrates do not necessarily need law degrees.
The letter was signed by all 10 Republican members representing North Carolina in the U.S. House: Gregory F. Murphy (NC-3), Virginia Foxx (NC-5), Addison P. McDowell (NC-6), David Rouzer (NC-7), Mark Harris (NC-8), Richard Hudson (NC-9), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Brad Knott (NC-13), along with Moore.
“What happened on the light rail in Charlotte is a tragedy that never should have happened. Teresa Stokes has failed the people and must be removed. She’s proven she can’t do the job and has lost the trust of the public,” Congressman McDowell said. “Democrat-run cities across America are ignoring public safety while letting criminals walk free to terrorize our communities. It’s past time to put law-abiding citizens first, and restore law and order.”
Congressman Mark Harris said,”Why would a judge knowingly let a repeat criminal with serious mental issues out on our streets? Pro-crime judges must be held responsible for their failure to carry out the most basic, commonsense duties. We must ensure there are no future Iryna Zarutskas.”
Congressman David Rouzer further stated,”Magistrate Stokes’ rulings highlight exactly why liberal soft-on-crime policies are failing our communities locally and nationwide. When lenient laws meet lenient judges, public safety takes a back seat. This tragic loss of a life was absolutely preventable.”
In 2024, Timothy K. Moore secured re-election against Pam Genant with 58.1% of votes compared to Genant’s 41.9%.
