Man, 63, Accused Of Stealing 27 Campaign Signs In Macomb Township

MACOMB TWP., MI — A 63-year-old Romeo man has been accused of stealing 27 campaign signs from yards throughout Macomb Township, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

The man, whose named has not been released pending his arraignment in 41-A District County in Shelby Township, was charged with larceny — a 93-day misdemeanor — after being identified on surveillance video, deputies said.

"Theft of any kind is illegal and will not be tolerated," Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said. "We have seen several larcenies stemming from a difference of opinion within the last few months, from stolen American flags to stolen political signs.

"We reside in a county that allows us the right to freedom of speech, and although we may not agree with our neighbors, we must still respect one another and set a good example for those around us."

The initial report against the suspect accused of stealing 27 signs came from one of the candidates themselves, the sheriff's office said. Candace Miller, the incumbent Public Works Commissioner in Macomb County, reported on Sept. 6 that 12 signs for her re-election had been stolen between Sept. 4-6 along Hall Road in Macomb Township.

After deputies identified a suspect on video, they said they were able to locate the man, who was cooperative and turned over 27 signs — 16 of which belonged to Miller.

The signs had all been cut in half and painted over so the candidate's name could not be read, deputies said.