Polk County Sheriff serves 2020 felony warrant on N.C. congressional candidate

Lakesha Womack was served with a felony arrest warrant at a campaign event on Oct. 11. The 49-year-old candidate is running for North Carolina’s Congressional District 14. Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed the warrant during the rally.

The warrant dates back to 2020. It charges Womack with failing to return a hired motor vehicle valued at more than $4,000. The criminal summons was originally issued in January 2020. Law enforcement did not serve the document until this month. It was not immediately clear why a six-year delay occurred before deputies presented the warrant.

According to the arrest warrant, Womack rented a 2019 Toyota Corolla from Budget Car Rental in October 2019. The vehicle was reportedly worth $20,000. The rental agreement required the car to be returned by a specific date. Womack did not return the vehicle by that deadline.

Womack is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Tim Moore for the seat. The district includes Gastonia, Shelby, and Morgantown, along with parts of far south Charlotte. Moore’s campaign has recently run attack ads referencing allegations against Womack. Womack’s campaign released a statement addressing the media attention. "Candidates for public office should be held accountable and voters deserve transparency," the statement read. The campaign noted that Womack has emphasized accountability and affordability throughout the race.

The midterm general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. Womack continues to campaign in the district ahead of the vote.