Politics
JUST IN: Democrat Lawmaker Charged With Sick Crimes Against Children
North Carolina state Rep. Cecil Brockman was arrested Wednesday on multiple child sex charges, marking a stunning downfall for a Democrat who just months ago was clashing publicly with his own party.
The 41-year-old Guilford County lawmaker faces two counts of statutory sexual offense with a minor and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, according to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. He’s being held without bond at the High Point Detention Center and is expected in court on Thursday.
A magistrate’s order denying bond said Brockman’s position as a legislator gives him “abundant resources to aid in his flight from prosecution.” The order also accused him of trying to contact the alleged victim — even attempting to locate the juvenile in a hospital while using his title for access.
Court documents say the alleged offenses involved a 15-year-old and occurred on Aug. 15.
The shocking arrest comes after a year of tension between Brockman and his fellow Democrats. Last December, he lashed out at party leaders who criticized him for missing a key veto-override vote, writing on social media, “Over these next two years, you need me. I do not need you.”
NC State Rep. Cecil Brockman
Now, members of both parties say he needs to go.
Gov. Josh Stein called the charges “extremely serious and deeply troubling,” urging Brockman to resign immediately. House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said the allegations make it impossible for Brockman to continue serving, while the North Carolina Democratic Party echoed the demand, saying the seriousness of the case “makes it impossible for him to effectively represent his community.”
Republican leaders quickly joined the pile-on. House Speaker Destin Hall called the charges “shocking and extremely serious,” and Majority Leader Brenden Jones blasted the alleged conduct as “appalling” and unfit for public office.
Brockman has long been a maverick in Raleigh, occasionally siding with Republicans on crucial votes and angering fellow Democrats. He narrowly survived a primary challenge in 2024, as critics accused him of undermining party unity on several bills.
His arrest now throws another curveball into the North Carolina legislature, where Republicans are just one seat shy of a veto-proof supermajority. If Brockman resigns — or is expelled — that balance could shift dramatically.
The once-influential lawmaker is expected to appear before a judge Thursday.
