Democrat LaKesha Womack pulled off an election-night upset last week, defeating Republican incumbent Rep. Tim Moore in North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District with 51.1% of the vote. The victory marked a significant political shift in a district that had been considered safely Republican, with Womack’s grassroots campaign focusing on economic opportunity and government accountability resonating with voters across party lines.
Now she’s heading to court.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that Womack was served a criminal summons on October 11 on a felony charge alleging she failed to return a rental vehicle valued at $20,000 in 2019. The timing of the service, coming just weeks before the election, raised questions about why a summons issued years earlier was only now being executed, though law enforcement officials have not publicly addressed the delay.
The criminal summons was issued in January 2020 but went unserved for six years. Womack is set to appear in court November 10 — just days after her historic victory. The peculiar timeline of the case has drawn attention from political observers on both sides, with some questioning how a criminal summons could remain outstanding for such an extended period without being served, while others have focused on the substance of the allegations themselves.
“My opponent needs to explain these pending felony charges to the voters of North Carolina District 14. With a court date literally the week after the election this is a big deal.” — Rep. Tim Moore, October 28 post on X
Womack previously acknowledged failing to return the rental car on time, saying she was experiencing homelessness at the time and was unaware that a criminal case had been filed against her. Her account of the circumstances surrounding the 2019 incident paints a picture of personal hardship that stands in stark contrast to her current position as a congresswoman-elect, and supporters have pointed to her trajectory as evidence of resilience and determination.
In a statement to Fox News Digital on Friday, Womack framed her victory as “bigger than me” and said it is “a testament to the power of ordinary people who believe that their voices matter and that leadership should be rooted in service, accountability, and opportunity for all.” The statement notably did not address the pending legal matter directly, instead keeping focus on her campaign message and the constituents she will soon represent.
When asked about facing the felony charge, Womack declined to comment. Legal experts suggest this may reflect advice from her attorney to avoid public statements that could be used in court proceedings.
Under North Carolina law, the charge is a Class H felony that can carry a prison sentence exceeding two years, depending on the defendant’s criminal history and other sentencing factors. Class H felonies are considered among the lower-level felony classifications in North Carolina’s structured sentencing system, but they nonetheless carry serious potential consequences. The specific sentencing range would be determined by multiple factors including prior record level and aggravating or mitigating circumstances presented at any potential sentencing hearing.
Under House rules, members formally charged with a felony punishable by two or more years in prison are expected to step aside from committee assignments and party leadership positions while the charges remain pending — a provision that could become relevant to Womack once she takes office in January. This internal House rule, while not legally binding, represents an institutional norm designed to protect the integrity of congressional proceedings. The practical implications could significantly limit Womack’s ability to effectively represent her constituents during what would normally be a critical period for a newly elected member to establish themselves and secure favorable committee placements.
Moore’s campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The defeated incumbent’s silence following his Election Day loss stands in contrast to his earlier social media posts drawing attention to the pending charges.
The charges remain allegations. The case has not been proven in court. Under the American legal system, Womack is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, a standard that places the burden of proof entirely on prosecutors.
My opponent needs to explain these pending felony charges to the voters of North Carolina District 14. With a court date literally the week after the election this is a big deal. #ncpol @FoxNews https://t.co/KLbQ4WpFSo
— Tim Moore (@timmoorenc) October 28, 2026
