North Carolina Governor Josh Stein faces scrutiny over COVID-era inmate release settlement

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, who served as Attorney General under Governor Roy Cooper, helped negotiate a COVID‑19‑era settlement with criminal‑reform groups that led to the early release of roughly 3,500 inmates. The list included at least 51 parole‑eligible prisoners serving life sentences for murder and sexual offenses, but officials have not clarified which sentences were actually shortened by the deal.

The settlement drew national attention after surveillance footage showed Decarlos Brown Jr., a repeat arrestee listed for release, fatally stabbing a passenger on a Charlotte train. Republican State Senator Phil Berger is co‑leading a newly formed legislative commission to investigate the settlement, arguing that both Stein and Cooper share responsibility. The agreement’s details remain sealed, and Stein’s office has declined to comment.

Critics, including a spokesperson for Berger, say the settlement was negotiated behind closed doors and shielded the public from its full impact, while supporters point to health‑related reasons for reducing prison populations during the pandemic.