Sheriff warns against illegal political activity

Del Norte County Sheriff Erik Apperson is warning residents about performing illegal political actions this heated election season.

“We understand that politics can evoke strong emotions and election time can often intensify those emotions,” Apperson wrote on the DNSO Facebook page. “That said, theft and trespassing are not political expressions. They are crimes and will be treated as such.

We have received reports that several political signs have been taken from private property without permission, resulting in damage and financial loss.”

Apperson said his office is actively seeking information regarding these reports of criminal behavior.

“Our intent is to refer the criminal complaints to the District Attorney for formal charging,” he wrote. “Del Norte County is better than this.”

Apperson encourages the public to report any suspicious behavior by calling dispatch at (707) 464-4191, ext 0.