MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - A Rutherford County commissioner has admitted to taking an opponent's campaign sign during his reelection bid.

Rutherford County Commissioner Romel McMurry entered a conditional guilty plea to misdemeanor theft in General Sessions Court on Monday (August 24th). Under the terms of the agreement, officials will dismiss and expunge the charge if McMurry completes 16 hours of community service.

The charge originated after his District 19 Democratic opponent Pat Clements reporting missing campaign signs. Clements placed an AirTag tracking device inside one of his replacement signs to track its location. Officers with the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) traced the device signal, which pinged within a 60-foot radius of McMurry's residence. McMurry later surrendered to authorities after officers issued a theft arrest warrant.

McMurry formally acknowledged in court on Monday (August 24th) that he removed the sign, stating that his actions were wrong and that he accepted responsibility.

McMurry won re-election to his county commission seat by more than 200 votes over Clements.