FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: editor@ncindigenousmedianews.com
NC Indigenous Media News
March 19, 2024
BEAUFORT, NC – Victims and advocates are raising alarms over the Carteret County District Attorney’s Office’s failure to take seriously the former Onslow County deputy James De La O Jr. is charged with communicating threats and assaulting a female. It happened in 2024 as prosecutors said De La O threatened a group of Native Americans after they were praying over a burial ground. Today, a former Onslow County deputy and others were involved in the June 23rd assault incident in Cedar Point. Victims Jane Jacobs, Brandy Alaverz, and others have faced repeated obstacles in seeking justice, including a lack of communication from the DA’s office, restricted access to court proceedings, and preferential treatment for the accused.
During the most recent court session, victims were informed that they were required to attend the proceedings today, Wednesday, March 19, 2025; however, they were not granted a meeting with the DA or ADA to present key evidence, including video footage. Instead, the accused individuals, including the former off-duty Sheriff’s Deputy De La O and the armed individual, were given private access to meet with the DA.
Key Concerns Raised by Victims:
Lack of Access & Communication: Despite spending the entire day at the courthouse, victims were not allowed to consult with prosecutors, raising concerns about whether the case was adequately prepared for trial.
Preferential Treatment for the Accused:
The attacker and gunman were escorted into and out of the courtroom under what appeared to be protective arrangements. At the same time, a bailiff escorted the ADA from the room in a manner that seemed staged for protection.
Strategic Delays:
The DA’s office granted a continuance without adequately consulting the victims, further delaying the pursuit of justice.
Witness Intimidation Through Legal Tactics: Carteret County developers at Cedar Point have now added trespassing charges against several of the victims, an act that appears to be explicit witness intimidation. Instead of being protected, victims are being targeted with retaliatory charges designed to silence them and weaken their testimony.
“I am deeply concerned that the DA’s office is prioritizing the interests of the accused over those of the victims and the pursuit of justice,” said Jane Jacobs. “We have made multiple efforts to communicate and provide evidence, yet we are being ignored while the defendants receive special treatment. Now, we are also being subjected to intimidation tactics in an attempt to silence us.
“Victims fear that the DA may attempt to dismiss or weaken the case under false claims of “lack of responsiveness” from those affected—despite repeated efforts by the victims to engage with the prosecution. Victims Demand Immediate ActionJacobs and other victims call for an immediate meeting with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure their voices are heard, critical evidence is reviewed, and due process is followed.”This case involves serious allegations, and any mishandling or negligence in prosecution could have significant consequences,” Jacobs added. “We demand transparency, accountability, and fairness in this case.”
The victims are urging the public to stand with them in demanding justice and to call on the Carteret County District Attorney’s Office to act with integrity in prosecuting this case.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
editor@ncindigenousmedianews.com