CHANDLER, Ariz. (AZ Family) – Police say an East Valley employee and his wife could be charged with vandalizing and stealing political signs critical of him.
The charges stem from an incident in July when a group known as “No-OD” opposed to Chandler Vice Mayor OD Harris placed billboards around the city. A man who had one of these signs placed in his front yard claims his sign was removed and replaced with one promoting Harris.
“It was gone. There was an OD sign where there was originally a No OD sign,” the man said.
Chandler police say one of the suspects involved in the sign switching was Harris himself.
In a recent report, investigators said “based on evidence obtained from witness statements, video surveillance, and statements made by Mr. Harris,” Mr. Harris and his wife were involved in vandalizing a political sign on July 28. He said he thought it was highly likely that he had done so.
“I think public officials and elected officials should be held to a higher standard,” one witness said.
A “NO-OD” sign put up by a group opposed to Harris shows him in front of a diversity and equity mural with the slogan “Say No to Critical Race Theory and BLM.” It was depicted standing. A military veteran who asked to remain anonymous said his sign was stolen.
“Someone took down the sign I put up and used the stake I used for my sign,” he said.
According to a police report, multiple witnesses, members of the “No-OD” group, reported seeing two women stealing the sign. “There needs to be some kind of severe punishment for those who commit such acts,” said the anonymous man.
Police believe one of the women who stole the sign was Harris’ wife, and that Harris may have been the getaway driver.
In the report, Harris told officers that his wife only fixed the sign and then left immediately after being called a racial slur.
No charges have been filed. The case was submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review.
Attorney Joseph Cainfield, who is not involved in the case, commented on the seriousness of the allegations.
“The law is very clear on this point. If you intentionally remove, vandalize, or vandalize someone’s sign, you would be subject to a second-degree misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense,” he said. said. “If you are charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, you could be subject to a fine of up to $750 and up to four months in jail.”
Mr. Harris denied the allegations against him. Arizona’s family has reached out to him for comment, but has not yet received a response.
To avoid a conflict of interest with Officer Chandler, the case was turned over to the Scottsdale Police Department.
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