Welch oversees the 43rd Prosecutorial District, made up of the state’s seven westernmost counties. In March, Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams requested she handle the case, citing a potential conflict of interest.

At that time, the case was confined to one student, who alleged a sexual assault had occurred involving another student, and that Asheville School failed to report the sexual-assault allegation to law enforcement.

“Since taking the case in March, several other victims have come forward with similar allegations,” Welch said. “It appears the case has become much larger than one suspect and one victim. It is my professional opinion that these cases need a devoted team of special prosecutors and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.”