RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Calls for Democratic Representative Cecil Brockman to resign from the North Carolina House were piling up Thursday morning as he’s due in court on child sex crime charges.
Early Thursday afternoon, Gov. Stein joined leaders on both sides of the aisle to call for his resignation, saying, “The charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling, and while the criminal justice process takes effect, he cannot be effective representing his constituents and he should resign.”
Brockman, who represents Guilford County, was arrested Wednesday on two counts of statutory sex offense with a child and two counts of indecent liberties with a child. Court documents state that Brockman, 41, had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old.
He was denied bond by a magistrate. Court documents further said, “[Defendant] has made attempts to contact the victim in this case 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.”
The documents also say Brockman has “access to abundant resources to aid in his flight from prosecution.”
Brockman was expected in court on Thursday afternoon. That was until a “medical emergency” was cited as a reason to delay his appearance to Friday.
“Shocking and extremely serious”
Early Thursday morning, lawmakers began reacting to the charges.
In addition to Gov. Stein, former Gov. Roy Cooper also called on Brockman to “resign immediately” with a post on X. In it, he said the criminal charges brought against Rep. Brockman are “disturbing and disqualifying.”
House Democratic Leader Robert Rieves posted on X: “The allegations against Rep. Brockman are serious and, if true, would disqualify him from public office. This is a developing situation and it is important to let the legal process unfold.” Rieves also released a statement to CBS 17 later in the day Thursday, urging Brockman to “resign immediately.”
“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,” Rieves said.
Other political leaders also immediately called for Brockman to resign. One of the first calls was from the Chair of his own party.
Anderson Clayton posted on X: “The North Carolina Democratic Party calls on Representative Brockman to resign effectively immediately. The profound seriousness of these criminal charges makes it impossible to represent his community.”
Republican House Speaker Destin Hall echoed those calls for Brockman to resign. He also released a statement to CBS 17 saying, “The charges against Rep. Brockman are shocking and extremely serious. Given the evidence that’s publicly known, he should resign immediately so these charges do not distract from the work of the North Carolina House.”
Other lawmakers reacting include Representative Bryan Cohn of Vance and Granville counties, who posted the following message on X: “I’m deeply disturbed by the news that Rep. Cecil Brockman has been charged with indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape. These allegations are unconscionable and incompatible with public service. He should resign immediately. No one is above the law.”
Deana Harley
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