About Jon
Family
I am married to a wonderful woman named, Amy, who is a lifelong resident of the area. Amy works as an office manager for an oral surgeon with offices in Leland and Bladenboro. We recently welcomed the birth of our first child, Tyson Reid, into the world on September 3, 2009. The birth of Tyson has caused me to redouble my efforts toward making our area a safer place to live. We have two dogs, Josie and Louie. We are actively involved in the community and we regularly attend Saint Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church. We have lived in Leland for seven years.
I have only one sibling, Ben, who is my identical twin brother. Ben is the elected DA of New Hanover and Pender Counties and together we prosecute the biggest cases in the Wilmington area. As brothers we are very close, and it is our sincere belief that this bond will benefit the citizens of both jurisdictions tremendously. Although, Ben and I have similar career experiences and an equal commitment to the victims of crime, we are very much our own men.
Background
I graduated with Honors with a degree in Criminal Justice from Florida State University. I then continued my education at the University of Florida College of Law, where I served as Chairman of Moot Court.
In addition to my job as an Assistant District Attorney, I have served as a part-time Professor of Criminal Justice at UNCW and a frequent guest lecturer at law enforcement trainings. Additionally, during the course of my career, I have served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, including Brunswick, Columbus and Bladen Counties.
I am a Board of Director for Hope Harbor Home, a moderator for the Homicide Support, a longtime member of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, and a founding member of the Leland Area Rotary Club. I have received a number of awards for my work as a prosecutor including statewide recognition for prosecution of domestic violence cases and a national award for excellence in criminal investigations presented by the Director of the FBI.
Experience
I have been a prosecutor since the day I graduated Law School, and my commitment has always been that of an advocate for victims and a partner with law enforcement. Prior to moving to the Wilmington area, I prosecuted violent crime in Miami, Florida and also worked as an Assistant Statewide Prosecutor in Orlando, where I focused on drug trafficking and organized crime. I have personally tried over 100 jury trials to verdict, including murderers, robbers, rapists, and habitual felons These experiences have profoundly affected me both as a person and as a prosecutor. I regard my career not so much as a job, but a calling.