Andrew LaBreche’s bombshell “judicial misconduct” chapters continue as D.A. Ted Bell defends the decision not to charge former Judge Pool. LaBreche is running against incumbent Judge Robert Martelle, who allegedly told LaBreche that he knew about Pool’s behavior before it was public knowledge.
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By Annie Dance | Cops & Congress | News & Commentary
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — A Republican primary challenge in North Carolina’s 41st Judicial District is drawing heightened scrutiny after a judicial candidate alleged that an incumbent judge knew about improper conduct by former Judge Randy Pool years before his resignation.
The release comes as incumbent District Attorney Ted Bell, who is also on the ballot in 2026, continues to publicly defend his decision not to prosecute Pool. Bell’s lengthy statement—still posted on his campaign website—describes a sprawling investigation that began not with allegations against Pool, but with Pool’s own report that he was being extorted. (Also see it on my DocumentCloud.)
Andrew LaBreche, who is running for District Court judge in District 41, which includes Rutherford and McDowell counties, claims incumbent Judge Robert Martelle was aware of concerns involving Pool but failed to act. LaBreche and Martelle are set to face each other in the March 3, 2026, Republican primary.
The allegations are detailed in my recent investigative article, which outlines LaBreche’s assertions and recounts the events leading up to Pool’s November 2019 resignation from the bench amid scrutiny by the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission and federal authorities.
LaBreche has also shared a multi-part chronology on his campaign’s social media page, describing what he says were long-standing concerns about Pool’s conduct and the response of courthouse officials.
Martelle has not publicly responded to the latest claims. Judicial ethics rules limit what judges can say about confidential complaints or investigations.
A Court Community Still Looking for Answers
The Pool case remains a defining issue in Judicial District 41, touching the courts, law enforcement, and political landscape in Rutherford and McDowell counties. For many taxpayers, the core question persists: How could years of alleged misconduct result in professional sanctions but no criminal charges?
LaBreche says his ongoing series will continue to detail what he witnessed from inside the courthouse. Bell’s campaign statement shows no indication that he intends to revise or retract his legal assessment.
LaBreche faces incumbent Martelle on the Republican primary ballot. Bell will face challenger David Norris. As of this writing, Bell has not officially filed for re-election, according to the NC Board of Elections official candidate list.
Bell also faces calls for his removal from office in the Matthew Fenner case. (ICYMI: I scooped the story.) Fenner’s attorney is LaBreche. Talk about a small town/county/region!
The story of the Pool investigation—its origins, oversight, and aftermath—is once again at the center of a judicial race, reshaping how voters view accountability in their local courts, because context and history matter.
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The complete list of candidates filed as of December 5 is available through my DocumentCloud. Candidate filing ends Dec. 19.
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Breaking News: 2026 Judicial Candidate Andrew LaBreche Says His Tip Sparked FBI Scrutiny of Judge Randy Pool
Judicial candidate Andrew LaBreche details how his 2019 tip to the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission allegedly launched a federal investigation into former Judge Randy Pool. Pool was allowed to retire and was never criminally charged by District Attorney Ted Bell, the SBI, or the FBI. LaBreche is challenging incumbent Judge Robert Martelle in the 2026 Republican primary election. He says Martelle knew about Pool’s activities.
