NC Candidate Arrested at Rally

Lakesha Womack was arrested at a campaign rally in Charlotte on October 11.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies served the 49-year-old Democrat with a felony warrant. The legal action stemmed from a 2020 charge regarding failure to return a hired motor vehicle valued over $4,000. The specific incident involved a 2019 Toyota Corolla rented from Budget Car Rental in October 2019. The vehicle was reportedly worth $20,000 when it was not returned by the agreed date.

The criminal summons was originally issued in January 2020. Law enforcement did not serve the warrant until this month. Officials have not explained why the arrest was delayed for nearly six years. Womack is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Tim Moore for North Carolina’s Congressional District 14. The district covers Gastonia, Shelby, Morgantown, and parts of far south Charlotte.

Womack’s campaign issued a statement that did not directly address the felony warrant. Instead, the statement focused on attack ads from Moore’s group, Friends of Tim Moore. “Allegations involving me have drawn significant media attention and attack ads from Friends of Tim Moore,” the statement read. “Candidates for public office should be held accountable and voters deserve transparency.”

The statement added that Womack has emphasized accountability and affordability throughout the race. “I believe every candidate and elected official should be evaluated by consistent standards, including their record of public service, their decisions in office, and their responsiveness to the people they represent,” it continued. The midterm general election is scheduled for November 3.