Special prosecutor requested for Carteret County Native American-Bridge view cases

BEAUFORT, N.C. (WITN) - A second hearing took place Monday morning, following the first set of hearings in March, regarding the confrontation between Native Americans and members of the Bridge View community in Cedar Point, which occurred after an archaeological discovery in 2024.

This time, a new individual was brought in to review each case.

The sight and smell of burning sage were present outside the Carteret Courthouse as multiple indigenous community members and the True Healing Under God national civil rights group gathered before and after the hearing.

“We would like to see the sight protected one way or another. We look forward to seeing justice in the justice system to hold those accountable for what has been done,” Tuscarora Nation representative Chris Hardison said.

Multiple people from both sides were involved and charged, including the main hearing involving former Onslow County deputy James De La O, who is charged with communicating threats, false police report, and assaulting two women, with Jane Jacobs being one.

“I’m hoping that the justice system doesn’t see color and I’m hoping that the justice system does the right thing in this case,” Jacobs said.

Others involved with Monday’s court hearing include Trenton Broadwell with a charge of assault by pointing a gun, and Bobby Lowery and Joey Jacobs, who are charged with second-degree trespassing.

Videos and pictures of the confrontation provided 7 Directions of Service can be found here.

But at the request of prosecutors, every case is continued, and now special prosecutor Amber Barwick has been requested to help.

Barwick is a resource prosecutor with the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys and will review each case and start from a fresh perspective.

Leaving many like Jacobs hopeful but frustrated.

“My stress level is pretty much through the roof right now to be told once again that the case is going to be continued. I live three hours away, I’ve had to come in and get an Airbnb every time we travel,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs was told the next hearing for the case is set for September 29th, while De La O’s hearing is scheduled for September 19th.