Steve H. Owens

Served on the finance committee at Cornerstone Fellowship Church.

October 17, 2026

Source: rutherfordcountync.gov

Worked in private-sector management for more than 20 years before entering state court employment.

October 17, 2026

Source: rutherfordcountync.gov

Announced payment and online-service disruptions during Rutherford County's move to electronic court records. He urged court users to prepare their accounts.

October 1, 2025

Source: wcabnews.com

Responded to an audit finding $9,059 in overdue transfers of unclaimed funds in his office. Some items dated to 1996 and 2009. He reported addressing all 26 items by May 23, 2019. Auditors did not verify his response.

May 24, 2019

Source: auditor.nc.gov

Served as Rutherford County's primary disability access coordinator, helping court users request accommodations.

November 16, 2018

Source: nccourts.gov

Was sued over a competency proceeding as Rutherford County clerk. An appeals court upheld most dismissals without prejudice. It revived a bank-access claim but directed Owens's dismissal because that claim made no allegations against him.

June 4, 2018

Source: govinfo.gov

Responded to an audit of conflicting computer access and $1,284 in late estate fees in his office. Auditors identified no fraud. He reported correcting former employees' access and sending fee notices.

September 23, 2015

Source: auditor.nc.gov

Took the oath as Rutherford County Clerk of Superior Court after working in the clerk's and district attorney's offices.

December 1, 2014

Source: rutherfordcountync.gov

Reported finding two slain deputies and radioed a description of their killer during a Rutherford County manhunt.

May 31, 1979

Source: rutherfordweekly.com