District attorney’s investigators

DISTRICT ATTORNEY INVESTIGATORS

Within the walls of the Franklin Courthouse are people involved in every stage of the justice system. Working with Franklin County district attorney Joey Rushing are two part-time investigators who are integral to the process of bringing criminals to justice.

Terry Zills has been with the DA’s office since 1999, transitioning to parttime work three years ago in conjunction with retirement. Mike Prince has been with the department almost three years, following his retirement from the Russellville Police Department.

The two investigators serve similar roles although each has niche duties. Rushing said Zills is charged with locating witnesses, handling subpoenas, interviewing witnesses and serving warrants for the worthless check unit. Prince, on the other hand, serves as the grand jury coordinator for the office, working with officers to get everything lined up for cases coming before a grand jury.

In addition, as certified law enforcement officers, “they both assist other law enforcement agencies anytime there’s an issue they need help on,” explained Rushing, who said he emphasizes to other departments that the DA investigators are available whenever needed. “We have a really good working relationship,” with departments across the county, Rushing added. To that end, Prince and Zills often come alongside local officers when a larger police presence is needed, such as during a car chase or foot pursuit. One of them will also sometimes accompany an officer serving a high-risk arrest warrant.

They also serve in their capacities to keep peace within the courthouse, stepping in to handle court disturbances or disputes that might arise while court is in session.

Rushing and assistant DA Jeff Barksdale work closely with law enforcement officers throughout Franklin County, and Rushing said they have the greatest respect for that

TERRY ZILLS

DA investigator

MIKE PRINCE

DA investigator relationship and for the tasks law enforcement officers must carry out.

“The primary goal in every situation is to try to work out the situation the best you can. None of them want to be involved in a violent situation or one that leads to injury to a suspect,” Rushing said. “They are trying to do their job, enforce the law and keep the peace.”

Rushing said in his more than 20 years working with police, he has found them to be hard-working professionals. “They are doing the best they can to enforce the law and be fair to everybody.”

The Franklin County Times would like to say THANK YOU, TO OUR BRAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT HEROES.

The staff of the Franklin County Times

Greg Hamilton

Superintendent of Franklin County Schools Pre-K - 12th grade “Preparing our Students for the Future” for the Future”

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Thank you, to our law enforcement agencies and first responders for your dedicated service and sacrifice to keep our communities safe.

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