2 assistant DAs hired

FLORENCE — The Lauderdale County District Attorney’s office has hired two new assistant district attorneys.

District Attorney Angie Hamilton said Austin Stinnett and Steven Russell have joined the office as assistant district attorneys.

They joined Hamilton, Chief Assistant District Attorney Coty Hand and Assistant District Attorneys Angela Hulsey and Marty Newell.

“I am very excited about the future of the DA’s office,” Hamilton said. “I’m really pleased with this team and know they will represent the people of Lauderdale County well.”

Stennett has a background as a defense attorney, and his focus will be on the felony trial docket load. He said he is glad to be on the prosecution’s side.

“The private side of practicing law drains you some,” Stennett said. “You’re practicing law but you’re also and managing people.”

He looks forward to being on the side of the courtroom that represents victims, saying he has felt inner conflicts at times as a defense attorney.

Russell is familiar with the DA’s office, having interned there in 2023 and 2024.