Newly Elected Democrat Faces FELONY Charge

North Carolina Democrat LaKesha Womack, fresh from her midterm victory flipping a Republican-held House seat, is scheduled for a court appearance next week on a felony car theft charge.

She defeated Rep. Tim Moore in the 14th District after being served a criminal summons at a campaign event in October.

The accusation involves failing to return a rental car valued at about $20,000 from 2019.

A summons issued in January 2020 went unserved until October 11 at a Polk County event.

Sentencing guidelines for the Class H felony range from four months to over three years in prison.

Conviction would not automatically bar her from Congress, though House rules expect those sentenced to two or more years to forgo committee and leadership roles.

Expulsion would still require a two-thirds House vote.

Womack issued a statement last month emphasizing accountability and due process.

“Over the past few weeks, allegations involving me have drawn significant media attention and attack ads from Friends of Tim Moore. Candidates for public office should be held accountable and voters deserve transparency,” she said.

She added that evaluation should rest on records of service and responsiveness rather than speculation.

Womack has referenced a medical emergency requiring hospitalization and a period of homelessness around the time of the alleged offense, without detailing connections to the rental matter.

Her campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The swearing-in on January 3 could proceed pending the case outcome.