Spencer B. Merriweather III took the oath of office Monday morning become the interim Mecklenburg County District Attorney.  He becomes the first ever African-American to hold this position.

He took the oath of office in front of his wife, staff and former boss, Andrew Murray.  Murray left the position to become the US Attorney for Western North Carolina. Murray took the office about 45 minutes after leaving his position.

"You have been a selfless leader to me," said Merriweather addressing Murray. "This Democrat will be proud to have you as a partner when you're sworn in as our US Attorney."

Merriweather's served as an Assistant District Attorney for the past 11 years in Mecklenburg County. He knows his appointment comes at a critical time for his office. 

"The criminal justice system is under a microscope these days," said Merriweather. That skepticiam. Skepticism is good. We need to be taking a fresh look at what we're doing. We need a fresh perspective on the impact we have on this community."

Mecklenburg County voters will select a new District Attorney next year.