WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND – November 4, 2024
On November 3, 2024, Thomas Gulyas of Berlin, Maryland was charged with Theft under $1,500 for allegedly stealing a large political sign the day before. The sign promoted the campaign of Kaleema Barkley, who is running for school board in Worcester County’s District 2. Upon investigation, the large sign disappeared within approximately 2.5 hours of when it was placed near Cheer’s in Berlin.
After reviewing video evidence of the incident, the man was identified by police. The suspect was questioned by Berlin Police, and the sign was found to be in the man’s possession behind his place of business. The large sign that was constructed of a custom heavy-duty wooden frame was found to be separated, dismantled, and the frame discarded.
Charges were filed:
A statement was released by the Worcester County Republican Central Committee of Maryland after the man was charged:
“CONFIRMED BY Citizens for Kaleemah Barkley!!! Ms. Kaleemah IS on the Ballot and IS running for Worcester Co. School Board district 2. The lie that she is not on the ballot or running is being spread by extremist surrogates of Jon Andes, Elena McComas and Donald Smack. So extreme, that one of them has been charged TODAY for allegedly stealing political signs of the challenger Kaleemah Barkley.
We have been fielding questions regarding this race and owe it to the people of the county to set the record straight.
We believe in free and fair elections, regardless of whom you support. Trying to impact an election through nefarious means should never be accepted or tolerated.”
The Delmarva Times has confirmed that Kaleema Barkley is on the ballot and humbly ready to serve District 2 should she win a seat on the Worcester County Board of Education.
Upon further investigation after this incident, an election interference campaign was discovered on social media involving the alleged, along with elected officials who are running for reelection spreading disinformation that Ms. Barkley “withdrew from the race.” Incumbents Jon Andes of District 3 and Elena McComas of District 5 are working to bolster support for their incumbent colleague Donald Smack, Jr. of District 2 against his opponent Ms. Barkley in order to deceive voters.
It is illegal to touch or remove a candidate’s campaign sign. In Maryland, theft of a political sign is a misdemeanor, and may carry additional charges including destruction of property, election interference, and other fines by the Maryland State Board of Elections.
A court hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2024.
