North Carolina LGBTQ Dem lawmaker accused of sex crimes resigns from state House

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A North Carolina state lawmaker accused by authorities
of sex-related crimes involving a 15-year-old resigned his legislative
seat on Friday. His departure came just after the House speaker
announced a committee to investigate his alleged misconduct. 

The House clerk's office received a letter signed by Democratic Rep.
Cecil Brockman of High Point to resign effective immediately. 

House leaders from both parties, as well as Democratic Gov. Josh Stein,
had called on Brockman to resign since his arrest three weeks ago on two
counts each of statutory sexual offense with a child and taking indecent
liberties with a child. 

Brockman, who had served in the House since 2015, wrote that he needed
to focus on his defense given the serious allegations against him. 

“As a result, I am currently unable to fulfill my duty and service to my
constituents," Brockman said. Democratic officials in Brockman's
Guilford County district will now choose someone to complete his
two-year term through the end of 2026. 

Republican House Speaker Destin Hall had announced earlier Friday a
bipartisan House committee “to investigate the charges and recommend
expulsion if necessary” from the chamber, a Hall news release said. The
state constitution gives the House authority to remove its members. The
full House last voted to remove a member in 2008. 

Hall said later Friday that Brockman's "departure spares the House from
a difficult expulsion process and brings closure to this troubling
chapter.” 

Records show Brockman, 41, remained in jail Friday on a bond of just
over $1 million. A court hearing on a request by Brockman's attorney to
reduce the bond is scheduled for Monday. 

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/north-carolina-lawmaker-accused-sex-c
rimes-resigns-state-127076873