Prosecutors have referred a case for charging against a 43 year-old Renton man for stealing 138 campaign yard signs, most of which belonged to Marcie Maxwell, a candidate for the Legislature for the 41st. District.

The district includes a portion of Bellevue.

The investigation began on Sept. 28 when Maxwell reported to Newcastle Police that two different people saw someone taking the signs on separate occasions. The individuals wrote down license numbers of the two cars taking the signs. Both of the vehicles were belonged to the same person.

Deputies spoke with the husband of the registered owner of the vehicles and recovered 138 signs. He was not arrested but charges have been referred to the court.

The signs were taken from along the Maple Valley Highway, unincorporated areas of Renton, and the cities of Newcastle and Bellevue.

The suspect is expected to be charged with eight counts of Removing or Defacing Political Advertising, RCW 29A.84.040, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and 90 days in jail for each count.