Editor's note: While at the time of recording, Beaulieu was still under investigation, on Thursday afternoon the New Hanover County Sheriff's confirmed he would not be charged.
District Attorney Ben David's office also issued a statement:
On Wednesday, October 26, 2022 the District Attorney’s Office was asked by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office to determine if a charge was appropriate following an allegation of removal of political signs by candidate Nelson Beaulieu. Several members of my staff reviewed the video provided by witnesses and the applicable law pertaining to this conduct. My office has determined that the elements of the Class 3 misdemeanor of Regulation of Signs, codified in NCGS 136-32, are not met.
No charges will be filed.
While the actions in this case did not rise to a level of criminal conduct, it is a good reminder that individual rights to free speech are protected and sacrosanct in our country. All members of our community are encouraged not to interfere in a democratic process and to respect the property and viewpoints of others. While the particular facts in this incident did not result in a criminal charge, my office and law enforcement will evaluate these instances, as in all allegations of crime, on a case-by-case basis.
Asked about potential conflicts of interest, David's office said it had handled election-season complaints in the past without issue. His office also contrasted the situation with Olson-Boseman, who chairs the Board of Commissioners which provides direct funding to the DA's office, with Beaulieu, whose board does not provide any funding.
Links:
- Sheriff: “I’m sick of these Black bastards ... Every Black that I know, you need to fire him...”
- Court document details new allegations of intimidation, corruption against suspended Sheriff
- Jody Greene says he will continue to run for sheriff in Columbus County
- Yes, the District Attorney’s office has a list of untrustworthy officers. No, you can’t read it.
- Sorry campaign managers: Lawn signs are only 98.3 percent useless (Washington Post)
- School board incumbent under investigation for removing political signs (Port City Daily)
