Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton announced that deputies are investigating multiple reports of campaign signs being removed from private properties. Sheriff Melton emphasized that taking a campaign sign without the property owner’s permission may be classified as theft of property.
Under Arkansas law, theft involving property valued at $1,000 or less constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. According to Sheriff Melton, damaging or destroying campaign signs can also fall under criminal mischief in the first degree, which is similarly considered a Class A misdemeanor if the damage amounts to $1,000 or less.
Additionally, entering or remaining unlawfully on someone else’s property to remove or damage campaign signs could result in a charge of criminal trespass, a Class B misdemeanor.
Residents who witness individuals removing or damaging campaign signs are encouraged to report the activity to their local law enforcement agency. Sheriff Melton reiterated the importance of respecting private property and warned of potential legal consequences for those who violate these laws.