Asheville News

WLOS: Assistant district attorney in Asheville charged with DWI

Jason Sandford January 10, 2009

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

WLOSer Courtney Brennan reported on the 11 p.m. news that Rodney Hasty, an assistant district attorney working in Buncombe County, was arrested and charged with DWI about 6 p.m. Friday night.

Brennan showed video of Hasty, who lives in Weaverville, getting booked at the Buncombe County jail. Brennan said police did not think alcohol played a role, but noted that Hasty had glassy eyes and slurred speech and were investigating. Brennan said she talked with District Attorney Ron Moore, who told her that Hasty had been suspended while the investigation continues and that he planned to appoint a special prosecutor to handle the case.

In 2002, Hasty was 33 and ran for election as a district court judge. Here’s a bit of his bio:

Education (formal and informal): Law degree, Wake Forest University School of Law (1995); bachelor’s degree, N.C. State University (political science, concentration in criminal justice); two stints at the National Prosecutor Academy.

“I waited tables and bartended for almost 10 years. … It just teaches you to relate to people and talk to pretty much anybody.”

Legal experience: Assistant DA in the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office since 1995. During law school, he worked as an intern at Legal Aid of Western North Carolina in Forsyth County, at the Forsyth County DA’s office, and at the Van Winkle, Buck, Wall, Starnes & Davis law firm in Asheville.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Chall, into the light

Weed & Seed grants available in Asheville

5 Comments

Ash January 11, 2009

Thank you, Atticus.

Reply
Atticus Finch January 11, 2009

Rodney was among three that Miike Easley was considering for the Superior Court judge position vacated at the end of last year by Ron Payne. The other contenders were Max Cogburn Jr. and Alan Thornburg. Max Cogburn, Jr. is Steve Cogburn’s brother, who is now our Clerk of Court. Alan Thornburg is the son of Lacy Thornburg, the Federal Judge and former Attorney General of North Carolina. I know that Rodney really wanted the job, despite the rumor swirling around the courthouse that Alan Thornburg was the choice.

Late Monday, Easley’s appointment of Thornburg was announced. The swearing in occurred on Thursday afternoon at the courthouse. I saw Rodney there and, though keeping an upbeat face, he left quickly after the swearing in and remarks by Thornburg and did not stop to speak to anyone.

I am sure that he is disappointed and many of the lawyers around town are disappointed because Thornburg has very little, if any, trial experience and now he is a trial judge. The appointment appears nothing more than a political favor and setting Thornburg up to take his father’s job on the federal bench once Lacy retires. In terms of trial experience, Rodney is miles ahead of Thornburg.

I cannot help but think that recent events contributed to this incident. I have dealt with Rodney only a couple of times when I have represented criminal defendants. Each time he has been very kind to me and my clients. No matter how this incident is resolved, it is going to follow him.

Most certainly a prosecutor from the Attorney General’s office will appointed to handle the matter. Ron Moore’s office cannot ethically or politcally handle the matter. Since DWI’s are handled in District Court, a judge from outside our judicial district and likely outside of WNC will be appointed to handle the plea or trial.

We will hear a lot more on Monday, like when his first court date will be as well as who might be prosecuting the case and the judge presiding. I will keep you up to date on what I hear.

Reply
Chad Nesbitt January 10, 2009

Yes

Reply
Ash January 10, 2009

Chad, I had given up on the online scanner — so it’s back up now?

Reply
Chad Nesbitt January 10, 2009

We had 8 phone calls saying they heard it on our online scanner. The Highway Patrol called it in at around 7:30 PM. The accident happened around 6:00PM. Our reporter called the detention center and was asked to call back in 30 min. She did and then they confirmed he had been arrested.

Going to be intresting what they say was in his blood stream if not alchol.

Reply