A North Carolina state lawmaker was arrested on Wednesday and faces serious criminal charges related to sexual offenses. Cecil Brockman, a Democrat representing Guilford County in the North Carolina House of Representatives, has been charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of statutory rape involving individuals aged 13 to 15. Brockman is currently held without bond at the High Point Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
A magistrate’s order denying Brockman bail cited his position as a state representative, stating he has “abundant resources to aid in his flight from prosecution.” The document also revealed that Brockman attempted to contact the victim using his political influence, including efforts to locate the juvenile in a hospital. A legislative assistant for Brockman declined to comment on the allegations.
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein condemned the charges as “extremely serious and deeply troubling,” urging Brockman to resign immediately. “While the legal process has yet to play out, it’s clear he cannot effectively serve his constituents,” Stein said in a statement. House Minority Leader Robert Reives described the accusations as “serious” and stated that if true, they would disqualify Brockman from public office. Reives later emphasized that Brockman “must resign immediately” due to the gravity of the allegations.
The North Carolina Democratic Party also called for Brockman’s resignation, stating the charges make it “impossible for him to effectively represent his community.” House Speaker Destin Hall, a Republican, similarly condemned the accusations as “shocking and extremely serious,” urging Brockman to step down.