Man arrested for vandalizing referendum campaign signs in Dorchester County

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- A Summerville man is facing charges after police say he vandalized multiple Dorchester District 2 referendum campaign signs last month.

Joseph Franklin Harris, Sr. was charged with 22 counts of vandalizing or removing political campaign signs.

This comes as early voting is underway for a $200 million referendum that would allow Dorchester District Two to make upgrades and build two new elementary schools to alleviate overcrowding.

According to Summerville Police, the investigation began after the department received calls that several signs asking people to “Vote Yes” were spray-painted over with the phrase “No to taxes.”

The referendum does not include a tax or millage increase for residents, Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins told News 2.

Police said the investigation revealed that Harris was responsible for the vandalism, which occurred between April 18 and April 24.

Under South Carolina law, anyone who defaces, vandalizes, tampers with, or removes a lawfully placed political campaign sign without the candidate or party’s permission is guilty of a misdemeanor. The offense is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a $100 maximum fine.

Harris is being held at the Dorchester County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.