Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Authorities Issue Statement Regarding Campaign Sign Crimes
Local law enforcement agencies have received a recent influx of reports regarding theft and vandalism of political signs erected by supporters of local candidates. With that in mind, Lawrence County Sheriff Kenny Taylor and Chief Deputy Terry Beecham have issued a statement, explaining that such crimes will not be tolerated.
Beecham explains, "In recent weeks there have been several reports made by citizens regarding the theft of political campaign signs around Lawrence County. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind all citizens that this is an illegal act and punishable by state law.
“In accordance with state law, anyone who is caught stealing or vandalizing campaign signs will be arrested and charged with a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up to eleven months twenty-nine days in jail or a fine up to two thousand five hundred dollars.
“During the coming months, there will be zero tolerance for theft and vandalism of campaign signs. Anyone who is caught or is proven guilty of stealing or vandalizing any candidates’ sign will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, no questions asked.
“Further, just as a reminder, state law also prohibits candidates from placing or attaching campaign signs to any kind of poles, towers, or fixtures belonging to any public utility company, whether privately or publicly owned Any signs in violation of this statute shall be removed by the proper authorities.”
Anyone who has knowledge regarding any of these crimes is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s department at 762-3626.
.
