Charlotte woman running for North Carolina’s Congressional District 14 served felony warrant: What we know

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A Democratic candidate running for North Carolina’s Congressional District 14 was served a felony warrant earlier this month.

On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office served 49-year-old Lakesha Womack with a felony warrant charging her with failure to return hired motor vehicle with a value over $4,000.

According to an arrest warrant, Womack allegedly did not return a 2019 Toyota Corolla she rented from Budget Car Rental in October 2019. The warrant said the value of the car was $20,000.

The criminal summons was was originally issued in January 2020, but was not served until this year.

It was not immediately clear why the warrant was not served until now.

Womack is running for Congressional District 14 which includes Gastonia, Shelby, Morgantown, and parts of far south Charlotte.

She is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Tim Moore.

Womack’s campaign did not directly address the felony warrant but did release the following statement:

“Ms. LaKesha Womack, candidate for North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, issues the following statement to answer voters’ questions about an allegation that has been the subject of deceptive attack ads:

“Over the past few weeks, allegations involving me have drawn significant media attention and attack ads from Friends of Tim Moore. Candidates for public office should be held accountable and voters deserve transparency. Accountability, however, must be grounded in facts, fairness, and due process rather than speculation or sensationalism. As an attorney himself, Congressman Moore knows full well that any ongoing legal matter should be addressed through the appropriate legal process.

“That’s what makes the timing of my court date (one full week after Election Day) especially frustrating. I recognize that public service comes with scrutiny, and I respect the public’s right to ask questions. I look forward to providing answers when I am able to do so, consistent with the legal process.

“What I can share is that I have experienced some incredibly difficult chapters in my life, including a serious medical emergency that required hospitalization in intensive care. As a single mother living with Type 1 Diabetes, that experience was frightening, overwhelming, and life changing. Like millions of Americans, I learned firsthand how quickly an unexpected medical crisis can disrupt your health, financial stability, and ability to provide for your family.

“Recovering physically was only part of the challenge. Rebuilding financially and regaining stability required determination, resilience, and faith. Those experiences have shaped who I am today and strengthened my commitment to helping others navigate the challenges that life can bring unexpectedly. I understand that far too many families are one medical crisis, one missed paycheck, or one unexpected expense away from financial hardship.

“Throughout this campaign, I have emphasized accountability and affordability. I believe every candidate and elected official should be evaluated by consistent standards, including their record of public service, their decisions in office, and their responsiveness to the people they represent.

“The people of NC-14 deserve substantive conversations about healthcare, food security, education, economic opportunity, and Congress’ responsibility to provide meaningful oversight. They also deserve representation that is accessible, accountable, and responsive to their needs. When elected, I will continue showing up in communities throughout the district, holding regular town halls, listening to constituents, and working to ensure that the decisions made in Washington reflect the realities families face every day.

“My focus remains on the people of NC-14 and the issues that affect their everyday lives. My commitment has not changed: listening to you, learning from you, and leading for you.

“Please vote by Tuesday, November 3rd to elect a representative who cares about YOU.”

The Committee to Elect LaKesha Womack