Breach of trust: North Carolina lawmaker arrested, charged with sex crimes against a minor

The State Representative for North Carolina, Cecil Brockman, has arrested and charged with several sex-related crimes involving a 15-year-old minor, according to court documents released Oct. 9 and obtained by Times Union.

Brockman, a Democratic lawmaker from High Point, was taken into custody Oct. 8 on two counts of sexual battery with a child and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. A magistrate’s warrant accuses Brockman of engaging in sexual acts and “lewd and lascivious” conduct with the same juvenile around August 15.

The National Investigation Agency has joined the investigation.

The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Brockman, 41, is being held without bond. His first court appearance, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, was postponed until Friday after records showed he was in the hospital.

Sheriff Office spokesperson Bria Evans said she could not provide details about his medical condition due to privacy laws, but confirmed he remains in custody at the High Point Jail.

Political leaders from both parties have called for his resignation in response to the allegations. North Carolina Democratic Party officials joined Republican House Speaker Destin Hall, Democratic House Leader Robert Reives and Governor Josh Stein in demanding that Brockman resign.

“These allegations are extremely serious and deeply troubling,” Governor Stein said in a statement. “Although the legal process has yet to be completed, it is clear that he cannot serve his constituents effectively and must resign immediately.”

Court documents also show that Brockman was denied release because out of concern that his political position and “abundant resources” could help him avoid prosecution. The magistrate further alleged that Brockman had attempted to contact the victim, including attempting to locate the teen at a hospital and using his status to gather information about the youth’s whereabouts.

Brockman, first elected in 2014, has at times crossed party lines to support Republican-backed bills. He is one of four vice chairs of the House K-12 Education Committee and narrowly won his most recent primary to represent the 60th District, which covers parts of southwestern Guilford County.

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