<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Friday, December 8, 2023
Dec. 8, 2023

Linkedin Pinterest

Alleged political-sign thief pleads not guilty

By
Published:

A Vancouver man allegedly caught on camera stealing a candidate’s sign pleaded not guilty Thursday to removing or defacing a political advertisement, a misdemeanor.

John Ellis-Reisdorf, 66, appeared before Clark County District Court Judge Vernon Schreiber. Ellis-Reisdorf will be screened for whether he’s eligible for the diversion program, which dismisses charges in exchange for their staying out of trouble for a year, said Vancouver’s City Prosecutor Kevin McClure.

The diversion program is generally offered to first-time offenders charged with nonviolent offenses.

Ellis-Reisdorf’s next court hearing is Nov. 1, when it will be decided whether he will enter the diversion program, McClure said.

Ellis-Reisdorf was allegedly the subject of a YouTube video on July 30. In the video, former Congressional candidate David Hedrick chased down a bicyclist after spotting him stealing a sign promoting Lynda Wilson, a candidate for Republican precinct committee officer and a member of the PCO Liberty Alliance. Liberty Alliance members were fed up with signs for Wilson going missing, so they set up a camera on Northeast 164th Avenue.

Video evidence later showed Ellis-Reisdorf ditching the sign in nearby bushes, according to court documents.

Later questioned by investigators, Ellis-Reisdorf said it wasn’t politically motivated.

“The subject, John Ellis, advised that he did remove the sign in question,” according to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court. “He advised that he resides in the neighborhood and was aware that the sign was unlawfully placed on the posted property.”

If Ellis-Reisdorf is not found to be eligible for diversion, his case will go to a mandatory pre-trial hearing on Nov. 28. He is representing himself.

Support local journalism

Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.

Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.

Community Funded Journalism logo
Loading...