Multiple people have been arrested for stealing campaign signs in support of President Donald Trump, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. Four juvenile females and a 37-year-old woman are facing criminal charges.
On Friday, September 18, 2020, at approximately 7:41 a.m., a witness observed Lacey Smith, age 37, remove a campaign sign posted in the area of 32nd Street and Avenue 8 ½ E, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. The witness was able to photograph Smith and her vehicle during the incident. The witness confronted Smith about removing the sign and the suspect responded by saying, “Call the police.”
So, the witness did just that. The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office then contacted Smith and issued a citation for removing and disposing of the sign.
The Sheriff’s Office also received an anonymous tip on Friday. The tip identified possible suspects who stole multiple political campaign signs in the Mesa del Sol area.
Four suspects were identified as female juveniles, all 17 years of age. All four suspects were contacted and admitted to participating in stealing the signs.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, all four will have charges submitted to the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center for review.
Per Arizona Revised Statue 16-1019.A, it is a class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office without authorization. Additional charges of trespassing, theft, and/or criminal damage may also be applicable under certain circumstances.