Santa Barbara resident faces potential criminal charges in connection with election sign stealing

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A 43-year-old Santa Barbara resident is now facing charges in connection with stealing election signs for a local City Council race.

Alejandra Gutierrez, currently running as the incumbent for the First District of the Santa Barbara City Council, confirmed with Your News Channel that her election signs were the ones stolen and recovered.

Your News Channel reporter Mina Wahab covered the theft and vandalization of Gutierrez's signs in September of this year.

According to Santa Barbara Police, a witness gave information that led officers to identify a 43-year-old Santa Barbara resident as a potential suspect for a report of stolen City Council election signs.

The same witness found and recovered about 24 campaign signs shared the Santa Barbara Police Department in a press release Tuesday.

Charges of theft and possession of stolen property were referred to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office after an over-the-counter police report was filed by the candidate herself detailed the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Santa Barbara Police confirmed to Your News Channel that while charges have been recommended, the 43-year-old is not currently in custody and the investigation into the case continues.