After arrest for sex crimes with a child, NC Democratic Party calls for state House rep. to resign

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- State Representative Cecil Brockman is facing charges of taking indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape, according to court documents.

Brockman was arrested by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) and booked into the Guilford County Detention Center in High Point.

The two charges Brockman faces are taking indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape of a minor who is 15 years old or younger.

Brockman, a Democrat, is currently serving his sixth term in the N.C. House of Representatives.

The NC Democratic Party provided this statement to ABC11: "The North Carolina Democratic Party is calling on Brockman to immediately resign. The profound seriousness of these criminal charges makes it impossible for him to effectively represent his community."

"These charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling. While the legal process has yet to play out, it's clear he cannot effectively serve his constituents and should resign immediately," said Governor Josh Stein.

The North Carolina Republican Party released this statement: "These allegations are abhorrent. If true, there is no place in public service now or in the future for someone accused of these heinous crimes."

ABC11 called Brockman's office for comment on the charges. A staff member said there is no comment prepared that he could share.

He is scheduled to go before a judge on Friday.

"The allegations against Rep. Brockman are serious and, if true, would disqualify him from public office," House Minority Leader Robert Reives, a Chatham County Democrat, said in a statement Thursday morning, according to our newsgathering partners at the News & Observer.

Editor's Note: Story updated to correct the arresting agency, which was the NC SBI.