THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310444
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RALEIGH LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. named a top lieutenant for district attorney Jerry Spivey the interim chief prosecutor Wednesday, one day after Spivey was removed from office for using a racial slur.
John E. Carriker of Wilmington will serve as the interim D.A. in the 5th Judicial District. He is the senior assistant district attorney in New Hanover and Pender counties.
Carriker will remain at the post until Spivey is allowed to return to office or is removed permanently. Spivey is appealing a judge's decision Tuesday to fire him for conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
``John has a strong record as a tough prosecutor, and he shares my commitment for making our streets safer and protecting our citizens from crime,'' Hunt said in a prepared release.
``I'm looking to him to help lead our crime-fighting efforts in New Hanover and Pender counties as he takes on the duties of district attorney.''
Carriker, 49, has served in the district attorney's office since 1972. He received his bachelor's and law degrees from Wake Forest University.
He was unavailable to comment on Wednesday.
Spivey was accused of using a racial slur toward pro football player Ray Jacobs of the Denver Broncos during a dispute June 30 at a Wrightsville Beach bar and restaurant.
Spivey may be the first chief prosecutor in North Carolina history to be forced from office. by CNB