Two local representatives appointed to committee on possible expulsion of state rep UPDATE

7 hours ago

WWAY News,

UPDATE: Democratic Rep. Cecil Brockman of High Point has resigned from the General Assembly, after being charged with two counts each of statutory sexual offense with a child and taking indecent liberties with a child.

North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall issued the following statement on the resignation of Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford):

“Rep. Brockman’s decision to resign is the right thing to do for his constituents and for the North Carolina House of Representatives. His departure spares the House from a difficult expulsion process and brings closure to this troubling chapter.”

Original post follows:

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall announced the formation of the House Select Committee to Investigate Alleged Misconduct and Other Matters Included in Charges Against Representative Cecil Brockman, formally beginning the process that could lead to Brockman’s expulsion from the state House of Representatives following his recent arrest on serious criminal charges.

Under the North Carolina Constitution, each General Assembly chamber has the authority to expel its members. The newly formed select committee’s clear purpose is to investigate the charges and recommend expulsion if necessary.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, Rep. Brockman will be removed from all House committees.

The bipartisan committee includes 12 members (local members in bold):

Rep. John Bell, Co-Chair (R-Wayne)
Rep. Brenden Jones, Co-Chair (R-Columbus)
Rep. Robert Reives, Co-Chair (D-Chatham)
Rep. Julia Howard (R-Davie)
Rep. Charles Miller (R-Brunswick)
Rep. Mike Schietzelt (R-Wake)
Rep. Harry Warren (R-Rowan)
Rep. Vernetta Alston (D-Durham)
Rep. Becky Carney (D-Mecklenburg)
Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg)
Rep. Brandon Lofton (D-Mecklenburg)
Rep. Shelly Willingham (D-Edgecombe)

Democratic Rep. Cecil Brockman of High Point is charged with two counts each of statutory sexual offense with a child and taking indecent liberties with a child.

A Guilford County magistrate’s order says Brockman is accused of committing the crimes against the 15-year-old on or around Aug. 15. A document signed by the magistrate said Brockman had tried to contact the victim and attempted “to use his status” to gain information about the teenager’s whereabouts.

Guilford County District Attorney Avery Crump alleged in court that Brockman had attempted to track the 15-year-old recently through an app and also through calling 911.

Brockman met the teenager in May through an online app, the district attorney said.

The minimum prison sentence for someone convicted of the statutory sexual offense count is at least 12 years, according to state sentencing directives. Taking indecent liberties with a child can be punishable by active prison time, probation, or both.