Two lawmakers facing criminal charges, one facing potential General Assembly expulsion

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The leader of the North Carolina House is looking into expelling a Democratic Representative accused of sex crimes with a minor.

House Speaker Destin Hall this week said he’ll appoint a committee to look into how to handle Representative Cecil Brockman’s standing in the House. Brockman is accused of statutory rape and indecent liberties with a 15-year-old.

Calls for him to resign have come from all over the state, including his own party. He has not resigned, and so Speaker Hall says the committee will look into whether expulsion is appropriate.

“A person who is up for expulsion has to receive due process, and that means some opportunity to be heard, cross-examine witnesses, and so part of our issue is, he’s, as I understand it, still in jail, so obviously couldn’t be here to present any evidence one way or the other,” Speaker Hall said.

He’s not the only lawmaker facing criminal charges. Republican Senator Norm Sanderson was arrested over the weekend, accused of driving while impaired. Top Senator Phil Berger said he doesn’t anticipate an expulsion or resignation there.

“I have talked to him,” Senator Berger said. “As per his statement, he is very apologetic, admits his mistake, acknowledges that what he did wrong. He is… probably the last member of my caucus I would’ve expected something like that from.”

Senator Sanderson did release a statement about the arrest. It reads: “Last night I made a regrettable mistake, and I take responsibility for my actions. I want to apologize to my constituents, my colleagues, and my family for letting them down. I commend the State Highway Patrol and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism during the incident.”