By Thomas Stevenson – The Postmillennial
A Democrat North Carolina state lawmaker has been charged with statutory rape of a minor as well as multiple other sex crimes. Cecil Antonio Brockman, 41, was arrested on Wednesday for two counts of statutory rape of a child between 13 and 15, as well as two counts of indecent liberties with a child.
The Democratic politician who serves District 60 in Guilford County was taken into custody by police on Wednesday, according to Fox 8. A warrant for his arrest alleged that Brockman “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did commit and attempt to commit lewd and lascivious act” with a 15-year-old.
Leader for the North Carolina House Democrats, Robert Reives, said in a statement, “The allegations against Rep. Brockman are serious and, if true, would disqualify him from public office.”
“As we continue to learn more about the allegations against Rep. Brockman this morning, it has become clear that he is unable to continue serving in the House of Representatives. Rep. Brockman must resign immediately,” Reives said later in the day in an updated statement.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said of the charges, “These charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling. While the legal process has yet to play out, it’s clear he cannot effectively serve his constituents and should resign immediately.”
Brockman is set to appear in court on Friday and was issued a no-bond arrest. Additionally, a magistrate’s order stated that Brockman attempted to locate the teenager in a hospital and used his status as a lawmaker to try and make contact with the victim.