ONLY ON 3: Judge Lewis on why she dismissed Oak Island Fire Chief’s DWI

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Slowly but surely we’re getting some answers about why a judge threw out a fire chief’s DWI charge two weeks ago. Tonight, those answers are coming from the judge who made the ruling.

Brunswick County Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis is bound by judicial standards not to talk about the merits of this or any pending case. But after consulting the state Judicial Standards Commission, she decided she can talk about procedural matters.

Judge Lewis spoke with us on the phone this morning. She said the District Attorney is in charge of the criminal calendar and can change it without the judge’s knowledge. But prosecutor Erin Holden left Oak Island Fire Chief John House’s case on the calendar June 8 even though Holden was not prepared to move forward.

“There were opportunities afforded to the District Attorney in court and in chambers that she did not take,” Lewis said. That led Lewis to dismiss the case.