How Pender County primary candidate is still running for office, despite having court on Monday
PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)–Taking on the court on Monday, is Elizabeth Craver, who is currently the Clerk of Court in Pender County
An investigation began in late 2023, when embezzlement allegations surfaced within the Pender County Clerk of Court’s Office.
She allegedly bought items for personal use, like an air conditioner, a laptop, and a printer. Following the allegations, a probe by the State Bureau of Investigation started. She was later indicted on three counts of felony, obtaining property by false pretense and one count of misdemeanor willful failure to discharge duties
Despite the trial on Monday, and the past controversies, Craver still has hopes with the upcoming primary election.
Aaron King, who is a political science professor at UNCW, says primary elections typically have low voter turnout, and they usually favor the incumbent.
“The question is whether or not the voters that are participating, how does this factor into their decision-making? Are they aware of the case?” said King. “If they are aware of the case, how is it impacting the decisions that are being made.”
Why is she allowed run for office? in 2024, Superior Court Judge Kent Harrell, ruled while Craver did do some things wrong, no willful misconduct was done.
Special Council attorney Boyd Sturges said the decision came following a hearing to determine whether she should be removed from office.
“Under the statue, there is an all-or-nothing for a clerk,” Sturges said. “There is no gradation of punishments. Either you’re in or you’re out. In other positions, like judges and stuff, there are gradations of punishment.”
Craver is not the first public official to be running for office while awaiting trial, Bob Menendez, a former senator in New Jersey, was found guilty on 16 counts of bribery and other crimes.
King says it’s more normal than you think.
“There’s certainly historical cases of candidates that have been either, either charged with things, or even convicted of things, and then still come out okay politically,” said King.
