Chief Justice Mark Martin has appointed Judge R. Les Turner as chief district court judge for Judicial District 8 (Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties), effective April 1. Judge Turner succeeds Chief Judge David Brantley upon his retirement.

"Judge Turner has served with distinction as district court judge for nearly two decades," said Chief Justice Martin. "I am confident that under his leadership, the district courts in District 8 will continue to operate with fairness and efficiency to ensure the proper administration of justice in our courts."

Judge Turner has served as a district court judge in Judicial District 8 since 2000, and previously served as an assistant district attorney from 1995 to 2000. He is a graduate of East Carolina University and earned his juris doctor (J.D.) from Campbell School of Law.