A North Carolina lawmaker has stepped down following serious felony charges related to alleged sexual conduct with a minor. Rep. Cecil Brockman, representing High Point, is facing growing scrutiny and bipartisan calls for his resignation after the accusations surfaced.
“I am currently facing criminal charges brought against me in Guilford County,” Brockman stated. He acknowledged the severe nature of the allegations and expressed a need to concentrate on defending himself. Brockman, 41, emphasized that he could not properly serve his constituents under such circumstances, leading to his immediate resignation from the North Carolina House of Representatives.
North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall described Brockman’s decision as appropriate, reinforcing the importance of accountability to constituents. He mentioned that this resignation avoids a potentially challenging expulsion process and offers closure to the situation.
Brockman faces troubling criminal charges including two counts of statutory rape involving a child aged between 13 and 15, along with two counts of indecent liberties with a child. According to court records, the accusations detail incidents where Brockman allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a 15-year-old in August. Additionally, he is accused of attempting to make contact with the alleged victim while in the hospital, further complicating the case.
A seasoned politician, Brockman entered the state House in 2014 and has been involved in key committees, focusing on education and appropriations. His resignation comes after intense pressure from leaders across both parties, including Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who called for his departure following the news of his arrest approximately three weeks prior.
Brockman’s situation underscores the gravity of the allegations, along with the swift action taken by both lawmakers and the public to uphold standards in leadership. As of now, he is being held in jail with a bond exceeding $1 million, with a court hearing forthcoming to discuss the possibility of bond reduction. This case is set against a backdrop of broader discussions regarding accountability in politics, particularly concerning actions that negatively impact vulnerable populations.
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