Controversial North Carolina State Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford), 41, has been arrested and charged with two counts each of statutory rape of a child (ages 13-15) and indecent liberties with a child, leading to widespread calls for his resignation.
As we previously reported, a Magistrate’s Order, which denied Brockman pre-trial release, noted that he has “access to abundant resources to aid in his flight from prosecution.” Additionally, the document said Brockman “has made attempts to contact the victim in this case and has gone as far as attempting to locate the juvenile in the hospital and attempting to use his status to gain information on the whereabouts of the victim.”
Reacting to the scandalous news, Rep. Bryan Cohn (D-Durham) made it clear that Brockman should leave his position immediately. “These allegations are unconscionable and incompatible with public service. He should resign immediately. No one is above the law,” the Democrat said.
Similarly, the North Carolina Democratic Party issued calls to step down, saying, “The North Carolina Democratic Party calls on Representative Brockman to immediately resign. The profound seriousness of these criminal charges makes it impossible for him to effectively represent his community.”
House Minority Leader Robert Reives (D-Chatham) urged caution, noting, “This is a developing situation, and it is important to let the legal process unfold. The allegations against Rep. Brockman are serious and, if true, would disqualify him from public office. As we continue to learn more about the allegations against Rep. Brockman this morning, it has become clear that he is unable to continue serving in the House of Representatives. Rep. Brockman must resign immediately.”
Likewise, Republicans such as House Majority Leader Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) made it clear that this was unacceptable. “This behavior is appalling and has no place in the General Assembly. I am calling on Brockman’s resignation immediately,” he declared.
Echoing the calls, Gov. Josh Stein (D) called for a resignation. He said, “The charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling, and while the criminal justice process takes effect, he cannot be effective representing his constituents, and he should resign.”
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Slamming the controversial Democratic Rep, House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) called for justice. “The charges against Rep. Brockman are shocking and extremely serious. Given the evidence that’s publicly known, he should resign immediately so these charges do not distract from the work of the North Carolina House,” he said.
Responding to the news, conservative influencer Libs of TikTok said, “BREAKING: North Carolina State Rep Cecil Brockman (D) has been arrested and charged with STATUTORY R*PE of a 13-15 year-old minor.” Building on this point, she added more context, saying, “Brockman also reportedly tried to ‘use his status to gain information’ about the victim’s location while the victim was at the hospital. He must RESIGN!”
Conservatives were, for the most part, outraged by the story. One commentator noted, “I’m going to keep saying it until something is done about it… This man HAS A YOUTH ACADEMIC CENTER NAMED AFTER HIM!!!!!!!!! TEAR HIS NAME OFF THE WALLS!!!!!!!!!!”