Police say they caught a friend of Gilbert Councilwoman Linda Abbott removing signs that accused Abbott's husband of stealing other campaign signs.
Roberta "Bobbi" Smith, who serves on the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce's board of directors, was cited by Gilbert police on Wednesday for removing a sign from the area of Civic and Palm streets. Smith is a friend of Abbott's, according to Gilbert police.
The signs, which say "Shame on Gilbert," or, "If you can read this sign, Tom Abbott (Linda Abbott's husband) has not taken it yet," have been placed around town by Gilbert resident Steve Johnson, who is not running for office, but is reportedly interested in Tuesday's election. Johnson also had a website criticizing Gilbert Town Council members.
It wasn't known how many signs were removed, but police discovered 12 in the back of Smith's van, according to Sgt. Bill Balafas, a Gilbert police spokesman.
Police said that Smith removed the signs because she didn't like the message on them.
There was no indication that anything was wrong with Johnson's signs, Balafas said.
Abbott could not be reached for comment.
