Mark Harris, representative for North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, expressed concerns regarding Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes’ decisions on pretrial release. Harris said that these decisions “undermine public confidence in the judiciary.” The statement was made on the social media platform X.
“The entire NC Republican delegation called for the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes for letting Iryna Zarutska’s murderer out on the streets,” said Mark Everette Harris, U.S. Representative from North Carolina. “Her lenient interpretation of the pretrial release statutes calls into question her fitness for service. The District Court says they are “reviewing” and “evaluating” policies and procedures. But is Stokes still making judgments for other criminals even though she has lost the public’s confidence?”
The murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte on August 22, 2025, led to significant public outcry and resulted in the enactment of “Iryna’s Law” in North Carolina. According to CBS News and the Associated Press, the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., had been released without bond after previous charges, prompting scrutiny of the magistrate’s decision. The new law imposes stricter restrictions on pretrial release and reinstates capital punishment.
North Carolina’s policies on pretrial release are heavily dependent on magistrate discretion, which varies significantly across different localities. An evaluation conducted by the UNC School of Government in 2023 revealed that Orange County had median secured bonds of $500 for low-level cases and $5,000 for more serious offenses. The report by the Criminal Justice Innovation Lab highlights that reforms are not uniformly applied throughout the state due to limited pretrial services infrastructure.
Judicial accountability within North Carolina is managed by the Judicial Standards Commission. In its 2024 report, the Commission noted 27 completed investigations with outcomes ranging from dismissals to formal disciplinary actions. This indicates variability in oversight depending on individual cases. The Commission’s annual report also pointed out that other states have differing volumes and processes for judicial discipline, reflecting a lack of national uniformity.
Harris has represented North Carolina’s 8th District since January 2025 and previously served as a pastor before his political career. His congressional biography emphasizes his focus on family values, economic growth, and public safety. He also prioritizes constituent services and community engagement as highlighted on his official U.S. House webpage.
