Asbell earned the position of DA early in the May primary and faced no opposition in the November general election after legislation in 2013 merged Judicial District 6B and the Halifax County District 6. The new district comprises Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton counties.

“This is a very meaningful occasion,” Grant said, “Not only for the court system, but for all four counties.”

Dwight L. Ransome, a retired special agent in charge with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, was one of the people who actively campaigned for Asbell in the months leading up to the May primary.

Asbell with her family before the ceremony.

“She is a God-fearing woman who dearly loves her family,” Ransome said. “Valerie is seriously committed to the job of district attorney.”

Pastor Wallace Phillips of the Carpenter's Shop International Church in Ahoskie said Asbell has tremendous respect for her calling. “Be valiant, be strong, be brave, be Valerie,” he told her.

In speaking to the packed courthouse before taking the oath, Asbell said, “To say I'm overwhelmed is an understatement. I thank God, who I look up to. I thank my family. They're my heart.”

She also introduced and credited her staff with the victory. “When I was elected, I didn't get elected alone. The success of my office has been because of these dedicated, skilled professionals.”

The assistant DA's are sworn in.

Her assistant district attorney staff will be made up of Derek Brown; Kim Gourrier; Julie Weissman; Charlie Cole; Charles Kinsey; Keith Werner; Norlan Graves; Kanter Morris and Justin Wier.

Her administrative assistant will be Pamela Flowers while her investigator will be Brien Lassiter.

Her victim witness legal assistants will be Pamela Hall; Peggy Nichols; Tracy Taylor; Latasha Hawkins; Cindi Harris; Iris F. Williams and Kaye Flythe.

“This is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” Asbell said. “Without God, I can't go forward. I'm going to make sure this is a safe place and hold people accountable for their actions. I will always have an open door policy in Halifax, Hertford, Bertie and Northampton counties. I plan to hold people accountable and help people who are first-time offenders.”

Grant said following the ceremony, “She cares about the victims of crimes. It's going to be a great four years. She will do a great job.”

Said Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, who attended the ceremony, “I am looking forward to a very productive working relationship with our new district attorney.”