FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Campaign Signs Stolen from Private Property: Former Representative Donna McLeod Takes Action
Gwinnett County, GA — May 13, 2024 — Donna McLeod, former State Representative and current candidate for Gwinnett County Chairperson, recently faced a concerning incident involving the theft of her campaign signs. McLeod had obtained permission to place her signs on private property. However, on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, she discovered that her signs were missing. This was not the first incident of her signs being removed, and the repeated removal of her signs had become deeply concerning, as all signs and campaign material are purchased through contributions from donors and campaign supporters—a privilege she does not take for granted.
McLeod decided to investigate the removal of her signs from the private property. She contacted the property owner, who explained that he had been out of the office and unaware of the removal. Suspecting foul play, McLeod reviewed security video footage on May 10, 2024. The footage revealed that on April 29, 2024, at 11:16 AM—less than 12 hours after McLeod had installed her signs—a landscaping truck labeled “Gibson” entered the parking lot. Two individuals wearing neon and orange vests, pretending to use a leaf blower, were seen removing her 18”x24” signs. Around 11:22 AM, another camera captured one of the individuals removing the 4’x8’ signs from the private property. Of the seven signs initially placed, only one 18”x24” sign remained on the property—all the others were removed and possibly destroyed, as they were not returned to her.
Campaigning is a protected activity under both the U.S. Constitution and the Georgia Constitution, especially after polls open. The apparent hiring of individuals to remove signs constitutes theft, given that it occurred on private property. The office building’s location in unincorporated Gwinnett County raises questions about whether McLeod’s opponent may be responsible for these actions.
Former Representative and Candidate for Gwinnett County Chair, Donna McLeod, is determined to seek justice. A police report has been filed for the theft of her property with the Gwinnett County Police Department.
For more information about Donna McLeod’s campaign, visit https://donnamcleod.com/