Union Co. DA Takes Job In Private Practice

UNION COUNTY, N.C.,None — Outgoing Union County District Attorney John Snyder said he didn't get serious about his new job in private practice until after his re-election last November.

Snyder announced his resignation on Tuesday, just days before he was to begin his second term as Union County's top prosecutor. In January, he'll begin working at Atlanta-based FSB FisherBoyles in Charlotte, dealing with corporate litigation and government relations.

"It was just too good to pass up," he said.

Snyder said he first learned about the job opening in mid-October, when one of the law firm's partners -- an old church friend -- contacted him. He said he would consider it, but didn't think it would amount to much.

"I wasn't sure that they would be interested in a DA from Union County," he said.

It wasn't until after the November elections, which Snyder won uncontested, that he became serious about the position and had an interview. Ten days later, in late November, he was offered the job.

Snyder said working at the firm will give him a more flexible schedule to spend quality time with his wife and three daughters, not to mention a salary that's reportedly double the $119,000 he currently makes annually. Snyder said he had considered a run for higher office in the future, perhaps for state attorney general. Now, he plans to hold off on those political ambitions until his children are older.

Earlier this year, Snyder ordered a review of 200 cases because of controversial work by the state crime lab. He also launched undercover investigations into illegal video poker terminals. Snyder said that momentum will continue even as he leaves office.

"We've got one of the country's best prosecutors working up there (in) Marsha Goodenow," Snyder said. Goodenow was fired from the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office last month. The office did not say why she was fired.

"I've asked the governor to appoint Trey Robison, who's a former FBI agent and former assistant district attorney," Snyder added. "He'll do a great job."

Snyder's replacement will be appointed by Gov. Bev Perdue. A spokesman for the governor's office said Perdue wants to fill the position as soon as possible. Interviews, he said, were under way now, though he would not say who is being considered or when the governor will make her decision. The fill-in would serve until November 2012.

Among those also angling for the job is Clayton Jones. He lost to Snyder in the Republican primary for district attorney earlier this year by 426 votes. On Facebook, Jones has posted a message on his campaign page urging supporters to write letters to Perdue.

WSOC