This week, 22nd Judicial District Circuit District Attorney Walt Merrell announced the promotion of longtime prosecutor Nikki (Hussey) Stephens to Chief Assistant District Attorney. 

The 22nd Judicial District covers Covington County. Stephens’ appointment comes after former Chief Assistant Grace Jeter was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. Stephens was born and raised in Banks in Pike County and graduated from Charles Henderson High School. She went on to graduate from the Jones School of Law at Faulkner University, graduating second in her law school class. 

“She is the kind of lawyer I want working for the people of Covington County,” Merrell said.  “Highly intelligent. Driven and motivated. Sharp as a tack in the courtroom, and she has all the social graces of a southern lady – she will be a great Chief.” 

Stephens also graduated with honors from Troy University with a degree in Business Administration. She and her husband, Brian, reside in Elba. She started her career in law in her home county, while attending college. 

“When I was in law school, I clerked for the District Attorney in Pike County, and it was then that I began to realize that to be a true ‘Atticus Finch’ I needed to be a prosecutor,” she said. “But when I graduated, they didn’t have an opening, so I joined a  business law firm in Dothan.”

Stephens has served in the District Attorney’s Office in Covington County for the past eight years. 

“As the Chief Assistant, Walt tasked me with reviewing the applications and conducting the interviews,” former Chief Assistant District Attorney Grace Jeter said. “Nikki stood out above the rest and it was an easy recommendation for me to make at the time. And I know it’s an easy decision for Walt to make now. She has been a great advocate for victims and for the people of Covington County.”

During her career in the district attorney’s office, she has handled cases ranging from drug court to murder cases. 

“Walt always taught me that we don’t do this job for accolades or prominence,” Stephens said.  “And I agree. There is not much better in this world than a big hug after a guilty verdict, or seeing a child out and about happy and doing well after I’ve prosecuted their offender. I very much look forward to more of those moments to come serving the people of Covington County as its Chief Assistant.”