New Details Released On Man Who Tore Down Middletown Campaign Signs

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Democratic Party released more information about the man who they say tore down Democratic campaign signs last week in town.

Earlier this October, the man tore down signs for Rocky Rios and Paige Gregorio, the two Democrats running this fall for seats on the Middletown Township Committee. The signs were also ripped in half.

Middletown Democrats still say they will not release the name of this man.

"Members of the Democratic Executive Committee did not feel it was appropriate at the time to name the responsible person," said Middletown Democrats member Mike Morris in a statement. "It was decided to take the high ground for the time being. The perpetrator is also listed as an unaffiliated voter. As such, the Committee didn't think it prudent to turn the incident into a partisan blame game."

However, the Middletown Democratic Party did file a police report last Wednesday, Oct. 25, against the man. This Patch reporter asked Middletown Police for a copy of the report, and we have not heard back yet. It remains unknown if Middletown Police filed any criminal charges against the man.

Morris did say: "Campaign signs 'mysteriously' go missing every year, and Middletown Democrat signs seem to disappear more frequently however."

He did say that many missing signs can be attributed to State, County and sometimes Township "sweeps" up and down main thoroughfares and around jug handles.

"Other missing signs are not that easily explained," he said. "Campaign signs are not cheap. The replacement cost for one sign this time of year is astronomical! The Middletown Democrats want to emphasize to others that damaging, removing or stealing campaign signs is against the law and considered a criminal act. When incidents like this come to light, it tarnishes all those involved either directly or indirectly and cannot be tolerated."

"If a member of the public has an issue with the placement of a sign, they are to either contact the Township or the candidate/political party responsible for the sign and ask that it be moved. They should not take upon themselves to remove, damage or deface any political signage. It is against the law!"

Middletown Democrats Say Campaign Sign Was Vandalized (Oct. 27)