MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan State Police confirms it’s investigating a political sign theft in Marquette County.
On Monday, Oct. 21, the Marquette County Republican Party posted to its Facebook page that a person was captured on a surveillance camera removing a Karl Bohnak campaign yard sign. It comes about three weeks after the party claimed the Marquette County Democratic Party was stealing various GOP yard signs after allegedly finding them in the dumpster behind the democrat party’s headquarters.
MSP Negaunee confirmed it is investigating the latest incident reported Monday and the suspect was identified. MSP says the information has been forwarded to the Marquette County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
In a statement, Marquette County Republican Party chair Keith LaCosse said:
Tampering with or stealing political signs is a misdemeanor and the Marquette County Republican Party will pursue the individuals responsible to the furthest extent of the law. There are no excuses for such a blatant disregard for others’ beliefs and property. We don’t have to agree but we should show everyone respect no matter one’s views. The guilty parties will be held accountable for their actions. There have been several instances of sign stealing and defacing. As of this time, there is ongoing investigations, video/trail cam footage, and I will not at this time make additional comments due to the investigations. I am happy that the Michigan State Police are conducting the investigations and I look forward to their findings. I ask that we continue to do our due diligence, take pictures of any wrong doing, but do not confront the would-be thieves/vandals for your safety. Collect the evidence and allow the police to do their job.
WZMQ has also reached out to the Marquette County Democratic Party for comment, but we have not yet received a response. WZMQ will update this story as more information becomes available.
In Michigan, it is a misdemeanor to steal or tamper with political signs, punishable by a $500 fine or up to 90 days in jail.
