My understanding is that under NC law the prosecutor has to consent to jury.
That doesn't sound right. It's a constitutional right of the defendant to a jury trial. He can waive that right, usually, and opt for a bench trial.
The North Carolina Constitution provides there is a right to a jury trial. It's found at Section 24:
Sec. 24. Right of jury trial in criminal cases.
No person shall be convicted of any crime but by the unanimous verdict of a jury in open court. The General Assembly may, however, provide for other means of trial for misdemeanors, with the right of appeal for trial de novo.
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Legislation/constitution/article1.html