The local Democratic Party chairman in North Carolina resigned this week after he was arrested on suspicion of tearing down and stealing a roadside sign supporting former President Donald Trump.
Lowell Simon, now the former chairman of the Moore County Democratic Party and also running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in November, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of theft of political signs.
The Moore County Democratic Party announced in a Facebook post Monday that Simon, 68, has resigned as chairman “in response to recent charges and arrests related to the theft of political signs.”
According to the Moore County Sheriff's Office, a West End deputy saw Simon removing campaign signs from the side of the road along Seven Lakes Drive around 5:25 p.m. Thursday. He said he witnessed it.
“The deputy, who was responding to an unrelated call at the time, later conducted a follow-up investigation at Simon's residence and discovered the sign on Simon's vehicle,” the office said. “Simon admitted that he had removed the sign and the sign was recovered and returned to its original owner.”
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Moore County Democratic Party Chairman Lowell Simon was arrested on suspicion of stealing political signs. (Moore County Sheriff's Office)
A warrant for Simon's arrest was issued Saturday. He was released “on a written promise to appear in court,” and his first court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 30, according to the sheriff's office.
“While we appreciate the hard work and dedication he has shown to the Democratic Party and the community, the Moore County Democratic Party cannot and will not tolerate defacement of political signs or other illegal activity.” the local political party wrote on Facebook. “Mr. Simon has offered an apology for his actions and his resignation, both of which have been accepted by MCDP.”
WararAccording to news outlets who spoke to Simon over the phone after his arrest, the local chairman said he had already put up signs in support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein, the current state attorney general, who is running against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. He said he complained that he was being obstructed. A new sign was later placed in front of them that read, “Trump has low taxes, Kamala has high taxes.”
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“I got rid of the signs because my bad angels got the better of me,” Simon said. “I shouldn't have done that. I didn't do it sneakily in the middle of the night. I did it when it was 5 p.m.”
Supporters of former President Donald Trump hold signs during a campaign rally at the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame on August 21, 2024 in Asheboro, North Carolina. (Peter Zai/AFP via Getty Images)
“We believe in the importance of freedom of expression and speech, and we expect local law enforcement to continue to enforce laws that protect these freedoms in a nonpartisan, fair and impartial manner.” the local party added. “As we move forward, our focus remains on electing Democrats up and down the ballot in this important election. We are committed to promoting the values of justice, equity, and freedom, and we look forward to building a better future for everyone in Moore County. ”
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Last week, Moore County Sheriff Lonnie Fields, a Republican, also issued a warning to the public after Simon's arrest: “The removal or theft of campaign signs is a violation of North Carolina General Laws Section 136-32(e).” did. These signs must be legally erected during the election period. ”
