A local political figure's impulsive action leads to unexpected legal consequences in North Carolina.
Breitbart reported that Lowell Simon, a Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House and head of the Moore County Democratic Party, has been arrested and charged with stealing campaign signs supporting former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred on Thursday evening and was observed by a sheriff's deputy responding to an unrelated call.
Simon admitted to removing the signs and acknowledging his mistake in a statement to WRAL News. He attributed his actions to a momentary lapse in judgment, stating that his "worse angels" got the better of him.
The Moore County Sheriff's Office detailed the incident in a Facebook post, explaining that a deputy noticed Simon removing campaign signs from a community along Seven Lakes Drive at approximately 5:25 p.m. on October 10, 2024. The deputy, who was initially responding to a different call, followed up on the observation by visiting Simon's residence.
Upon arriving at Simon's home, the deputy found the removed signs in the candidate's vehicle. Simon admitted to taking the signs, which were subsequently recovered and returned to their original owner.
The sheriff's office took action following the incident, charging Simon with two counts of misdemeanor larceny of political signs. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Friday.
Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, Simon was released under a written promise to appear in court. He is scheduled to face the charges at the Moore County District Court on October 30, 2024.
In response to the situation, Simon expressed his understanding of the need for consequences when laws are broken. He stated to WRAL News:
If people are going to break the law, myself included, there should be consequences. But, the law should be applied equally. I understand that sometimes you catch the criminal and sometimes you don't, but it has to be applied equally.
Simon also claimed that he has faced similar issues with Democratic signs being removed and stolen, suggesting a need for equal application of the law in such matters.
In his statement addressing the incident, Simon emphasized that his actions were not carried out covertly. He pointed out the timing of the sign removal, stating:
My worse angels got the better of me and I removed the signs. I shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t do it in the stealth of night or anything. I did it when it was five o’clock in the afternoon.
This admission highlights the open nature of his actions, which ultimately led to his swift apprehension by law enforcement.
The incident raises questions about campaign ethics and the respect for political expression during election seasons. It also underscores the potential consequences of impulsive actions in the heat of political competition.
The arrest of Lowell Simon, a Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House, for removing Trump campaign signs has brought attention to the issue of political sign theft. Simon has been charged with misdemeanor larceny and is scheduled to appear in court. The incident highlights the importance of respecting political expression and adhering to campaign laws, regardless of party affiliation.
