In a startling turn of events, authorities took Lowell Simon, the former leader of the Moore County Democratic Party, into custody for reportedly taking roadside signs supporting Donald Trump, which led to his resignation from the party.

The 68-year-old Simon admitted to the removal of the signs, resulting in misdemeanor larceny charges, with a court date set for the end of October, Fox News reported.

The incident occurred in the West End area at around 5:25 p.m. when a deputy happened to notice the alleged act while addressing a different call. Upon visiting Simon's home, law enforcement found the signs in his vehicle.

Simon Faces Misdemeanor Larceny Charges

Following these events, authorities issued a warrant for Simon's arrest on Saturday. They released the political figure with a promise to appear in court later this month. His actions prompted discussions and statements from the local Democratic Party.

Simon, who was a candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, acknowledged his wrongdoing. He stated, "My worse angels got the better of me," emphasizing that his actions were neither premeditated nor secretive.

The local Democratic Party of Moore County officially accepted Simon’s resignation and issued a brief but pointed statement. They emphasized the commitment to adhere to laws and not engage in any acts of tampering with political materials.

Democratic Party's Response to Arrest

"While we appreciate the hard work..." the party remarked on Facebook, highlighting Simon’s contributions yet underscoring their stance against illegal activities involving campaign signs.

Simon expressed regret for his actions, offering apologies for his lapse in judgment. The party accepted both his resignation and apology, as they stressed the importance of staying focused on their mission to elect Democrats statewide.

The Moore County Sheriff, Ronnie Fields, reminded the public that disrupting campaign signs is against North Carolina law, specifically mentioning the violation during election periods.

Protecting Political Expression During Campaigns

This incident has brought attention to the broader topic of ensuring freedom of expression and the protected nature of political speech in the state. The local party highlighted their belief in these principles, hoping for fair and unbiased enforcement of related laws.

Looking ahead, the Moore County Democratic Party reiterated its commitment to its objectives for the upcoming elections. They aim to foster justice, fairness, and freedom while continuing their campaign efforts despite this recent setback.

Overall, the implications of this case extend into the local political dynamics, with both parties focusing on maintaining lawful campaigning practices. Ensuring that individuals are free to express their political affiliations without fear of interference remains a key priority.

As the community anticipates Simon’s court appearance on October 30, the focus remains on upholding the integrity and freedoms associated with political participation in Moore County.