LUMBERTON — Security camera footage in a Lumberton Shell Station caught a person stealing a $26 lighter. That person turned out to be a city alderman.
When questioned, Alderman Jay McGraw did not deny it. In fact, WDAM-TV reports he owned up to it.
“It was to do with shoplifting a cigarette lighter at the Shell station, other than that, I was caught doing that,” McGraw said.
As of Monday, no charges had been filed against McGraw, who said he made restitution to the store, paying $55 for the lighter.
As far as why McGraw did it, he said he’s not sure. “I couldn’t tell you, couldn’t tell you,” he said.
“I made restitution, I paid money back to them, it’s a humbling experience, it’s an embarrassing experience,” McGraw said.
When asked about what type of example this sets for the city, he said it is definitely not a good one.
“It doesn’t set a good example for the city, and I have always been a leader for the city, and have got certain things done for the city,” McGraw said.
“As far as my position as being an alderman I took an oath, an ethics oath, I’m going to resign. (But) I can’t say much more than that right there.”
After seeking legal counsel, McGraw said he’s decided not to resign. For any legal action to move forward, charges have to be filed by the store’s management.
Employees at the Shell station would not comment on the matter, but questioned the Lumberton Police Department’s actions in handling the case.”We are always protecting the citizens of Lumberton, however in a shoplifting situation, in this situation because it was an alderman we took the initial complaint, did a report and we referred it to Lamar County,” Police Chief Elsie Cowart said.
The Shell Station asked McGraw not to come back on its property and he said he will comply.
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