Johnston County DA announces retirement

Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle announced Monday
that she would retire later this year.

Doyle said she plans to retire on July 1.

“I have loved serving the people of this district for the
past 18 years as the elected district attorney and for 13 prior to that as an
assistant district attorney,” Doyle wrote in a news release. “This has been a
very difficult decision because of my love and passion for serving victims of
crime and the citizens of Johnston County.”

Doyle said plans to “start a new chapter in life.” She
credited her longevity to the support of colleagues, coworkers and law enforcement
officers.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve this district and
state for the past 31 years,” Doyle wrote. “I have appreciated, more than I can
express, the sacrifice of the prosecutors and legal assistants who have served,
are serving, and will continue to serve our community with unmatched
professionalism.”

Doyle also credited her late mother.

“My mother was always my biggest supporter, and with her
recent passing, it seems like the time is right to pass the baton,” Doyle said.

In 2011, Doyle filed
suit against a longtime friend, alleging the woman had an affair with Doyle’s
husband.

Doyle is a native of Weaverville. She graduated in 1990 from
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received a bachelor’s
degree in psychology. She also graduated from the Campbell University School of
Law in 1993.

Doyle began her position as assistant district attorney in
January 1994 for what was then Prosecutorial District 11 (Johnston, Harnett and
Lee counties).