NC Democrat who just beat Rep. Tim Moore faces felony charge over $20,000 rental car

One week after unseating Republican Rep. Tim Moore in North Carolina's 14th District, Democrat LaKesha Womack is headed to court on a pending felony charge for allegedly failing to return a rental vehicle valued at $20,000.

Womack won 51.1% to Moore's 48.9%, according to Associated Press election results. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News Digital that she was served a criminal summons on Oct. 11 by a Polk County deputy. The summons was issued in January 2020 but not served until 2026, WBTV reported. Her court date is Nov. 10.

Womack has previously acknowledged failing to return the rental car on time, saying she was experiencing homelessness and did not know a criminal case had been filed. Asked Friday about the charge, she declined to comment to Fox News Digital.

Under North Carolina law the Class H felony can carry more than two years in prison depending on criminal history. House rules expect members charged with a felony punishable by two or more years to step aside from committee and leadership posts while charges are pending — a provision that could matter once she takes office in January.

Moore wrote on X before Election Day: "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."