A Courtroom Prosecutor –
A Community District Attorney
I will be a working District Attorney. The people need to know that they will have an advocate working for them in our courtrooms. Victims of crime deserve justice, and I have spent my entire career as a courtroom prosecutor – holding criminals accountable. I also realize that the District Attorney needs to be a champion for common-sense, practical law enforcement. I will focus on making Wake County safer. I will work in a coordinated effort to bring together all the voices of our county to ensure that we have equal justice under the law.
– Melanie Shekita
Proven Track Record
Having joined the Wake County District Attorney's Office in 1998 after graduating from Campbell University's Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, I have dedicated my entire career to serving this community. My experience prosecuting the most serious crimes, from child victim’s cases to capital murder, has prepared me to lead an office that handles cases across the full spectrum of criminal law.
Supporting Law Enforcement
I understand that effective prosecution requires strong collaboration between the District Attorney's office and our law enforcement partners. I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication, providing timely case consultation, and ensuring officers have the support they need to do their jobs effectively. I can promise you that I will be working in the courtrooms – managing cases and standing up for the victims of crime.
Prioritizing Public Safety
My approach will focus on holding violent offenders accountable while implementing evidence-based strategies that reduce recidivism and make our communities safer. I will work to ensure that cases are prosecuted efficiently and that victims receive the justice they deserve.
Enhancing Training and Resources
I will advocate for enhanced training programs and resources that benefit both prosecutors and law enforcement officers, ensuring we stay current with best practices and emerging challenges in criminal justice.
I recognize the unique challenges facing Wake County, including managing a heavy caseload in our growing county of over one million residents, addressing the ongoing effects of the COVID-related case backlog, and ensuring our criminal justice system keeps pace with our community's rapid growth and evolving needs, and I am prepared to tackle these issues head-on with innovative solutions and collaborative approaches.
Addressing Current Challenges
Meet Melanie
Wake County needs a District Attorney who will work in our courtrooms and community prosecuting criminals and fighting for the victims of crime.
Meet Melanie Shekita. With 27 years of experience working Wake County courtrooms, Melanie knows the District Attorney office isn’t about political promises – it’s about performance. It’s about results.
Melanie is a seasoned courtroom prosecutor leading the Special Victims Unit – taking on the toughest of cases and making sure victims of these terrible crimes get justice.
Melanie knows the District Attorney’s office needs to be responsive to our changing times and believes she can be an agent of change – bringing positive energy with an open door and a commitment for a safer Wake County.
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Seasoned prosecutor with 27 years of courtroom experience at the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, handling complex and sensitive cases including sex crimes against children, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and homicidal violence.
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A proven record standing up for the victims of crime
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Advocate for justice system improvement – making sure that there is equal justice under the law
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Campbell Law School Graduate; UNC Chapel Hill graduate
Melanie's Priorities
Melanie Will Put Community Priorities First as District Attorney
Melanie knows that real justice starts with listening. As District Attorney, she’ll be committed to putting the community’s priorities at the heart of every decision—from reducing gun violence and protecting victims, to expanding access to diversion programs and holding all actors in the system accountable. Melanie will work side by side with residents, community leaders, and law enforcement to build trust, improve safety, and deliver equitable, transparent outcomes. Because for Melanie, justice isn’t about politics—it’s about people.
Recruit and retain experienced prosecutors to ensure offenders are held accountable and justice is served effectively
Will be in the courtroom and personally prosecute violent felonies
Work with community partners to create innovative program to address Youth Gun Violence
Work collaboratively with law enforcement to curtail violent crime
Build coalition across the county to address concerns about equity + justice + law enforcement in Wake County
Endorsements
Don Stephens
Former Wake County
Superior Court Judge
Reuben Young
Former Special
Superior Court Judge
Don Overby
Former Wake County
District Court Judge
Colon Willoughby
Former District Attorney
District 1
Narley Cashwell
Former Wake County
Superior Court Judge
Osmond Smith
Former Person County
Superior Court Judge
Fred Morelock
Former Wake County
District Court Judge
Jeff Cruden
District Attorney
District 1
John Jolly
Former Wake County
Superior Court Judge
Ripley Rand
Former Special
Superior Court Judge
Ned Mangum
Former Wake County
District Court Judge
& District Attorney
Travis Page
District Attorney
Gaston County
Becky Holt
Former Wake County
Superior Court Judge
Jane Gray
Former Wake County
District Court Judge
Shelley Desvousges
Former Wake County
District Court Judge
Debra Sasser
Former Wake County
District Court Judge
Get Involved
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Donate
Supporting Melanie's campaign is essential to ensuring we have a dedicated community advocate in the courtroom. Melanie is committed to justice, fairness, and transparency, advocating for those who may otherwise go unheard.
Your donation helps her continue fighting for equitable treatment, protecting our most vulnerable, and ensuring that the voices of the community are represented in the pursuit of justice. Together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future for everyone.