New York Man Arrested for Stealing GOP Campaign Signs

A New York man has been arrested and charged with criminal possession of stolen property after allegedly being captured on video stealing campaign signs belonging to Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino. The incident occurred in the race for New York's 21st Congressional District.

Josef Marris was charged by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. Constantino’s campaign stated that Marris was fired from his employer, East Branch Organics, following the arrest. Constantino, who is running to succeed retiring Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., told Fox News Digital that the alleged thefts were an attempt to intimidate his supporters. He also claimed his campaign has lost over $100,000 due to sign theft and vandalism, adding, "There are now multiple attempts to intimidate my supporters by people who are clearly pro-crime and pro-violence. The media needs to stop pretending this is a both-sides problem."

Constantino’s campaign has alleged that Marris carried out the thefts on behalf of Democratic candidate Blake Gendebien. Gendebien’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. Constantino also criticized Gendebien on social media platform X, stating the Democrat "is surrounded by FAR LEFT EXTREMISTS."

Social media posts reviewed by Fox News Digital indicate Marris has described himself as a communist and an Antifa supporter. In April 2023, he reportedly posted an image of the three-arrow symbol, which is associated with several socialist and anti-fascist movements. The report notes that the symbol alone does not establish Marris's membership in Antifa or any connection to Gendebien’s campaign.

The 21st Congressional District race is considered closely watched, with Gendebien currently leading Constantino. Election forecaster North Country Public Radio has shifted its assessment of the district from "solid" Republican to "likely" Republican.