POSEY COUNTY, IN (WFIE) -
On Monday, charges were filed against a Posey County woman accused of stealing political signs, and the homeowner says he saw the theft in action.
Officials say political sign theft isn't uncommon around election time, but in this case, it's the wife of a candidate charged with taking that sign.
As Election Day draws near, many Posey County yards are full of political signs. Resident Jeffrey Voegel says he had a blue and yellow 'Sherretz for Commissioner' sign in his. But Saturday, he says he witnessed that sign disappearing.
"I was tying my shoes and saw a lady pull up beside. She was just looking at her van and then she grabbed a sign," Voegel said
Voegel later found out the woman who took that sign was Delene Schmitz, the wife of Republican Carl Schmitz who's also running for County Commissioner.
"I wish I would've never seen it. If I'd have known it was her, I would have called Carl first because that's how good of friends I am with both families," Voegel said.
Tuesday, the county prosecutor's office filed a charge against Delene Schmitz, one count of conversion, a class A misdemeanor.
"It doesn't matter what political party you're affiliated with, it works the same for everyone. My office in particular prides itself on treating everyone the same," said Posey County Prosecutor Travis Clowers.
Clowers says the sign has been returned to Voegel. Clowers also tells 14 News that theft should be taken seriously, no matter how inexpensive the item.
"I hope that the lesson is that we just can't turn our backs on these types of actions, and especially someone who knows better, doesn't engage in these type of activities," Clowers said.
The prosecutor says Delene Schmitz is set to appear in court later this week.
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Resident Jeffrey Voegel says he had a blue and yellow 'Sherretz for Commissioner' sign in his. But Saturday, he says he witnessed that sign disappearing.
