Cecil Brockman, a six-term Democrat serving Guilford County’s District 60, was arrested on felony charges of statutory rape as well as indecent liberties with a child – and now leaders from all across the political spectrum are calling for his immediate resignation.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, Brockman was taken from a Guilford County jail cell to a hospital due to an undisclosed medical emergency.

He was being held in High Point after being arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 8 by Guilford County Sheriff’s Office deputies and charged with two counts of statutory rape and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child – involving a 15-year-old victim.

The crimes allegedly took place on Friday, Aug. 15.

 Brockman, 41, was being held without bond at the county’s High Point jail before the medical emergency postponed his first appearance hearing.

Now there are calls from all corners for his resignation from those who say he’s no longer able to effectively represent his district, which covers much of the High Point area in southwest Guilford County.

Charging documents say that Brockman engaged in a sexual act with a 15-year-old, took indecent liberties with a child and committed the statutory rape of a minor 15 years old or younger.

He reportedly used his status and position to try and locate the victim.

Though Brockman hasn’t been convicted of anything yet, there were loud calls for his resignation from both sides of the political aisle.

House Minority Leader Robert Reives called on Brockman to resign Thursday.

NC Governor Josh Stein also called for Brockman’s resignation.

“I just read press reports and the charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling,” the governor said during a press conference, “and while the criminal justice process takes effect he cannot be effective representing his constituents and he should resign.”

The North Carolina Democratic Party is just one of many others who have called for him to resign immediately.

In the past Brockman has had his battles with fellow Democratic lawmakers.  Some of his fellow Democrats have criticized him for voting on Republican budgets and he once responded to his critics by taking out an ad in the High Point Enterprise and fiercely attacking them in a length diatribe.

In 2016, Brockman came out publicly – announcing, in a column by Susan Ladd in the Greensboro News & Record, that he was bi-sexual.

After Brockman’s arrest, the Guilford County Republican Party made it crystal clear where it stands: Party leaders demanded his immediate resignation.

A statement from the local GOP sent out on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, read, “These shocking allegations represent a profound betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our community’s children.”

Chris Meadows,  the chairman of the Guilford County Republican Party, said on Thursday, “These charges are not only deeply disturbing but utterly incompatible with public service.”

Meadows added: “Representative Brockman has a moral and ethical obligation to resign immediately. No elected official accused of such predatory crimes against a minor should hold a position of power in our state legislature, especially one that influences policies affecting families and children across North Carolina. His continued presence distracts from the critical work of the General Assembly and erodes the confidence that Guilford County residents deserve from their representatives.”

It should be noted that Brockman has not been convicted of any crimes; however, many of those calling for him to step down argue that the dark cloud over him from the charges alone make it impossible for him to continue in his current legislative capacity.

The press release from the local Republican Party states, “The Guilford County Republican Party stands firmly with victims of sexual abuse and calls for swift justice in this matter. We echo the bipartisan calls from statewide political leaders, including House Speaker Destin Hall, for Brockman’s resignation. While the legal process must proceed without interference, the severity of these accusations demands immediate action to restore integrity to the NC House.”