New Hanover County Democrats Call for Candidate to Withdraw Over Relationship with Sex Offender

Party leadership says Rick Southerland failed to disclose information about his living situation with a registered sex offender.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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James Richard 'Rick' Southerland, a Democratic candidate for the New Hanover County school board, is living with a convicted sex offender, James Darius 'Jaymes' Osborne, who was sentenced to 36 months in prison in 2021 for possessing child pornography. The New Hanover County Democratic Party has called on Southerland to withdraw from the race, saying he failed to disclose this information. Southerland has refused to withdraw, saying he has done nothing wrong and that he is focused on supporting victims and keeping children safe.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding candidates' personal relationships and the need for transparency, especially when it involves individuals with criminal histories related to the exploitation of minors. It raises questions about vetting processes for political candidates and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety.

The details

Osborne was convicted in 2021 of possessing child pornography and sentenced to 36 months in prison. He is currently on supervised release and prohibited from having contact with minors or accessing computers without approval. Southerland and Osborne acknowledged that they had discussed the potential complications Osborne's criminal history could cause for Southerland's campaign, but Southerland did not disclose this information to the Democratic Party or his fellow candidates.

  • In April 2020, Osborne was charged with over ten counts of possessing child sexual abuse imagery.
  • In April 2021, Osborne was sentenced to 36 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release.
  • Osborne was released from prison in January 2023 and registered as a sex offender at the same address as Southerland.
  • On March 4, 2026, the New Hanover County Democratic Party called for Southerland to withdraw from the race.

The players

James Richard 'Rick' Southerland

A Democratic candidate for the New Hanover County school board who is living with a convicted sex offender.

James Darius 'Jaymes' Osborne

A registered sex offender who was convicted in 2021 of possessing child pornography and is currently on supervised release.

Jill Hopman

The chair of the New Hanover County Democratic Party, who called for Southerland to withdraw from the race.

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What they’re saying

“We require all candidates to disclose any personal or professional matters that could pose a risk to their campaigns, the community, or our party. No such information was disclosed to us.”

— Jill Hopman, Chair, New Hanover County Democratic Party (WHQR)

“I respectfully decline and refuse to be bullied into stepping down from doing what's right and necessary in this climate. I am ready to serve the community that I love, using my learned skillsets to protect the already waning opportunities for the children in it.”

— James Richard 'Rick' Southerland (WHQR)

What’s next

The judge in Osborne's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to continue his supervised release or revoke it due to his living situation with Southerland.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and vetting of political candidates, especially when it comes to personal relationships and criminal histories that could impact public trust and safety. It also raises questions about the balance between rehabilitation and the protection of vulnerable populations.