GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – A Green Cove Springs man running to be a state representative is looking for answers about who stole more than a dozen of his campaign signs last Friday.
A camera at a business on Highway 17 in Palatka captured someone taking one of them down.
“Well it’s upsetting,” Judson Sapp said.
Sapp is one of two Republicans running in the primary to represent Florida House District 20, and the man whose campaign signs were taken.
The district covers Putnam and parts of Clay, St. Johns, and Marion counties.
Sapp said the sign that was taken on video last Friday is one of 13 stolen.
When asked if he believed it could be done to sabotage him, he agreed.
“It, in this case, yes,” Sapp said. “I do, I do. It was just too organized.”
Sapp said the signs taken were the large signed, which he estimates to each be worth over $100.
He also said last Friday wasn’t the first time his signs were taken. He said about four weeks ago some were stolen in Welaka.
After speaking with Sapp, News4JAX reached out to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office to see if they had any other reports of political candidates having their campaign items stolen.
We also asked if someone is caught what would happen to them.
“As of now. we do not have any reports of other political signs being damaged or stolen. Often candidates fix the signs and don’t report. Theft of a sign is a misdemeanor. There are no enhanced charges or additional charges for campaign signs,” the sheriff’s office said.
We also spoke with the Putnam County Supervisor of Elections. They said missing or vandalized campaign signs are not uncommon during election season.
The Supervisor of Elections also added that it is important for people to make sure they are placing signs in the right spots.
Sapp said he wished this didn’t happen.
“I just want to see the bar elevated. People need to respect the process and when you’re angry don’t take it out like that,” Sapp said.
He is offering reward money for anyone who has information that can help identify the person on the video.
News4JAX also reached out to the other candidates running for Florida House District 20 to see if they had a comment on what happened.
Jamie Watts, the other Republican candidate responded: “It’s disheartening to see anyone’s campaign signs stolen or vandalized. As someone who has served as both a town council member and mayor for 15 years, I’ve experienced similar acts of vandalism, including as recently as two weeks ago. During this campaign, several of my yard signs have been taken from supporters’ front yards. While we’ve replaced them, it’s deeply unfortunate that Mr. Sapp’s signs have been targeted as well. I do not condone such actions, as they undermine trust in our electoral process. I sincerely hope those responsible are identified and held accountable.”
News4JAX also heard back from Anthony Conolly a Democrat, running for the same seat. He said: " No I haven’t had any signs put out yet. I did wonder if that was going to be an issue when I do and I don’t know anyone who would do that for me on my behalf or the other candidate for sure. With all the cameras around hopefully we can see who is doing this. I know the signs cost money and I don’t want anyone to take my signs when I put them out.”