North Carolina Democrat lawmaker resigns after being hit with child sex charges
In a significant political development in North Carolina, Democratic state lawmaker Rep. Cecil Brockman has resigned from his position amid serious felony charges related to alleged sexual conduct with a minor. Brockman, who has represented parts of High Point and Guilford County since 2015, faced mounting pressure to step down from both sides of the political aisle following his arrest three weeks ago. The charges against him include two counts of statutory rape involving a child between the ages of 13 and 15, as well as two counts of indecent liberties with a child. The allegations stem from incidents reported to have occurred in August, where Brockman is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a 15-year-old and attempting to contact the victim while they were hospitalized, raising concerns about his attempts to manipulate the situation using his status as a lawmaker.
In his resignation statement, Brockman expressed the need to focus on his defense against the serious allegations, acknowledging that he could not adequately fulfill his duties to his constituents during this tumultuous time. North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall supported Brockman’s decision, suggesting that it was in the best interest of both the constituents and the integrity of the House. Hall remarked that Brockman’s resignation would spare the legislative body from a potentially lengthy expulsion process and allow for a resolution to what he described as a “troubling chapter.” As Brockman steps away from his role, he remains in custody with a bond set at over $1 million, and a court hearing regarding a bond reduction is scheduled for the near future.
Brockman’s resignation underscores a broader issue of accountability and ethics within political office, particularly in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct. His case has drawn attention not only for the severity of the charges but also for the bipartisan response it elicited, with both Democratic and Republican leaders, including Governor Josh Stein, calling for his resignation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by public officials and the potential consequences of failing to uphold those standards. As the legal proceedings unfold, Brockman’s case will likely remain a focal point in discussions surrounding political integrity and the protection of vulnerable populations.
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North Carolina Democratic state lawmaker
resigned from his position after being charged with felonies tied to alleged sexual conduct with a minor.
The move from Rep. Cecil Brockman of High Point comes after he faced
bipartisan calls to resign
and a potential committee investigation, announced by North Carolina’s House speaker, into his alleged misconduct.
“I am currently facing criminal charges brought against me in Guilford County. Due to the seriousness of these accusations, I need to focus on my defense of these allegations,” Brockman, 41, said in a statement
obtained by WXII.
“As a result, I am unable to fulfill my duty and service to my constituents in Guilford County. As a result, I am resigning my position from the NC House of Representatives effective immediately.”
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North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall said Brockman’s decision “is the right thing to do for his constituents and for the North Carolina House of Representatives.”
“His departure spares the House from a difficult expulsion process and brings closure to this troubling chapter,” Hall added, according to WXII.
Brockman is facing two counts of statutory rape of a child between the ages of 13 and 15 and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, according to court records obtained by Fox News Digital.
A magistrate’s order said Brockman is accused of engaging in sex acts with a 15-year-old in August and is twice alleged to have committed and attempted to commit “a lewd and lascivious act” upon the juvenile, The Associated Press reported.
Court documents cited by WRAL indicate that Brockman attempted to contact the alleged victim while they were hospitalized and sought to “use his status to gain information on the whereabouts of the victim.”
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Brockman, who was first elected to the state House in 2014 and has served since 2015, represents portions of the High Point and Guilford County area. He has served on committees related to education and appropriations.
State House leaders from both parties and Democratic Gov. Josh Stein had called on Brockman to resign since his arrest three weeks ago.
The House clerk’s office on Friday received a letter signed by Brockman to resign effective immediately.
Records show that Brockman remained in jail Friday on a bond of just over $1 million. A court hearing on a request by Brockman’s attorney to reduce the bond is scheduled for Monday.
Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
