Brown Jr. Doug Broxson, a candidate for state representative, claims his opponent has stolen campaign signs from public property in Milton – a charge that appears to be verified by secretly recorded videotape.

Greg Brown Jr., who faces Broxson in the Aug. 24 Republican Primary for Florida House District 1, was captured on film Saturday night allegedly removing Broxson campaign signs near a busy intersection in Milton. The footage was posted on the YouTube Internet site.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office was investigating whether Brown broke the law by removing another candidate’s campaign signs, which could be a felony.

Both candidates appeared at Monday night’s election forum at Calvary Chapel Church, but the issue was not raised during the event. Afterward, however, Brown was confronted outside the venue by a reporter from WEAR-TV and shown the videotape.

Broxson Brown admitted he was the person seen in the video removing Broxson’s signs, but he said the signs were on private property and only he had the owner’s permission to plant signs there. A review of county records Tuesday verified the spot in question was in the public right-of-way. Brown’s wife, Jennifer, also was in the video.

Brown tried to turn the tide on Broxson by alleging that the person operating the video camera was trespassing on private property. Broxson said the camera was positioned at the edge of public property.

In another stunning development, House candidate Ricky Perritt of Milton was arrested last week and charged with fraud, forgery and drug trafficking.

Tommy Nichols, Perritt’s campaign manager, released a statement Tuesday.

“Ricky will remain in the race,” Nichols said. “He asks that you continue your support and prayers for his family and himself during these trying times.”

Ferd Salomon of Pace is another Republican in the race. Mathias Venditto of Milton is not affiliated with a party and will be on the general election ballot.