Judge who released Decarlos Brown on cashless bail is NOT a licensed lawyer in NC

Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes is not qualified to practice as a lawyer in the state of North Carolina, according to the state's database of registered lawyers. The revelation comes after it was reported that Stokes released Decarlos Brown on cashless bail after his last brush with the law before he was charged with stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska to death in August.

When Stoke's name is entered into the North Carolina State Bar lawyer look-up tool, an error is presented, indicating the judge, although overseeing a magistrate court, does not have the ability to practice law as a lawyer professionally in the state of North Carolina. Magistrate judges in the state do not have to be licensed lawyers, according to state law.

The findings were first reported by journalist Laura Loomer, who also uncovered other details surrounding the judge, who is appointed over the Charlotte District in Mecklenburg County Court in North Carolina.

Brown was seen in footage released over the weekend approaching Zarutska from behind on a train and stabbing her in the throat. Zarutska sat in shock as the man towered over her, with none of the passengers going to Zarutska's aid in the moments following the stabbing.

Brown has been arrested 14 previous times. The last time was for a false 911 call. He claimed to police, who were coming to do a welfare check on him, that he was given a "man-made material" that controlled his actions. When the police did not believe him, he became agitated and called 911, making false claims.

He had previously been arrested for assaulting his sister and was convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon before this. Despite the past criminal history, Stokes released Brown on a "written promise" that he would show up on his court date. Brown has also been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Amid the fallout from the stabbing, some have questioned the magistrate's judgment in releasing Brown back out into the community, where he was able to murder the Ukrainian refugee. North Carolina Republicans from the state legislature have signed a letter calling for the removal of Stokes from her position.

"This decision was made despite Brown’s extensive criminal history, 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. In 2014, he was sentenced to five years in prison for robbery with a dangerous firearm. The January charge, a Class 1 misdemeanor, arose after Brown became combative with police officers. Yet despite this history of violent and unstable behavior, Magistrate Stokes released Brown without requiring bond or imposing any meaningful conditions to safeguard the public," the letter stated.