New Hanover candidate’s future looking unsure after recent finding
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)—Rick Southerland, who was recently on a campaign trial at the “Souls to the Polls” rally, is in trouble after the public’s finding that he lives with a sex offender.
On primary election night, he celebrated, but it was short lived.
WHQR, received a tip that Southerland is a new relationship with a registered sex offender named Jaymes Osborne, did not reveal it to the New Hanover Democratic Party. The question is why? Knowing his position formulas policy for the educational children.
“I was laser focused on doing great things for the blue wave, before having knowledge of wrong-doing by proxy. I’m not a politician and I have learned, so now that this information is out, I would hope to be able to focus my skills to continue doing the right thing for children’s safety,” said Southerland
WWAY has learned that Osborne and Southerland in Wilmington and worked at the PTPT Studio, a performance art hall at Thalian Hall. Osborne’s profile has been removed from the website.
In court papers obtained by WWAY, Osborne pleaded guilty to possession of Child Pornagraphy, and got a plea deal. He claims he was abused as a child, and that the abuse was put on the internet, and used his phone to try and get rid of it.
Southerland claims he was also abused, and that trauma bonded the two of them.
“He’s simply a friend, one that has trusted me to share his story somebody in good faith, and that has done everything possible to make this community a better place,” said Southerland.
WHQR reports that the New Hanover County Democratic Chair; Jill Hopman, has asked him to step aside, so that they can pick a new candidate, a sentiment echoed by state representative, Deb Butler.
“Mr. Southerland used poor judgment and failed to disclose his relationship with a convicted sex offender, and in my opinion that disqualifies him as a candidate,” said Butler.
What is Southerland’s response? He says he is going to keep going until he has a proper conversation with someone.
“They haven’t been fully transparent, by not having a direct conversation with me on their discussion for me to step aside,” said Southerland.
