Stolen Valor, Vandalism Claims Plague Chandler Arizona Election

Chandler, AZ, has received some headline attention recently, but likely not in a way the city would like. On October 22, 2024, the Arizona Globe published a story about the contentious City Council runoff election between incumbent Christine Ellis and newcomer Joseph Yang. However, the bigger story centers on Vice Mayor OD Harris. Harris secured his re-election bid for the city council – he received the highest vote count of all candidates – but his victory is overshadowed by controversy.

Chandler police recently investigated Harris and his wife for allegedly defacing campaign signs critical of his candidacy. Adding fuel to the fire are accusations that Harris exaggerated his military service, especially in light of stolen valor accusations leveled against Kamala Harris’ (no relation) running mate, Gov. Tim Walz. Many fear that Harris’ questionable headlines and the issues impacting the upcoming Ellis-Yang runoff election could shape the political narrative in Chandler.

Chandler Vice Mayor OD Harris and his wife, Elizabeth Ward, face potential legal trouble over allegations that the couple willfully damaged political campaign signs critical of Harris, particularly those from a grassroots effort entitled “Vote Out OD Harris.”

AZ Family reported on the July 28, 2024, incident that occurred just days before the Arizona primary election near Hearthstone Way and Chandler Boulevard. The police investigation involved witness statements and video surveillance and concluded there was probable cause to consider charges. Due to the potential conflict of interest with the Chandler police department, the case has been referred to Scottsdale authorities for prosecution.

Harris defended himself in a statement to AZ Family, suggesting that the investigation was politically motivated. He claimed, “There has been an ongoing attack on me and my family for the last four years. I believe a rogue group of the Chandler Police Department have been using their position to try and discredit me.”

He expressed frustration over what he calls a misuse of resources, adding, “I think that the sign investigation was a completely wasteful use of taxpayer dollars… especially when the value of these illegal signs was only one dollar.” He emphasized a perceived double standard, noting that “other candidates are having similar experiences with their personal property being used illegally by this unregistered political group.”

He contrasted the focus on the accusations against him with more severe crimes in Chandler, saying, “The city of Chandler has experienced 21 rapes, one homicide, 13 arsons, 416 vehicle burglaries, 202 motor vehicle thefts, and 153 assaults—crimes that would have greatly benefited from this level of investigation.”

Harris also pointed out that he and other city council candidates had reported theft and damage to their legitimate campaign signs, stating, “These attacks have cost our campaigns thousands of dollars, yet no efforts have been made to investigate these blatant political assaults.” Through his statement, Harris sought to underline what he believes is a politically driven effort to undermine his campaign.

The vandalism accusations are part of a broader issue with Harris’ campaign, with some of these negative political signs highlighting concerns over Harris’ military record. Some of the signs included the term “Stolen Valor” to criticize Harris’ alleged exaggeration of his military service.

Guardian of Valor, a U.S.-based organization that many consider the nation’s premier Stolen Valor investigators, believes Harris is guilty of the offense delineated in the Stolen Valor Act. The group highlighted discrepancies in Harris’ claims about serving in the National Guard and three years in the Army. According to the records they uncovered, Harris’ total service time, including both the National Guard and Army, amounted to just 16 months. Furthermore, they noted, “Harris did not complete his Basic/AIT Training before being discharged.”

OD Harris’ (@OdHarrisAZ) military service records, reviewed by Sam Kmack (@KmackSam) and myself, reveal that he does not meet the criteria to be classified as a Veteran.

Initially, I questioned accuracy of the original @azcentral story because only his DD214 had been examined,… https://t.co/w62HwknuOp pic.twitter.com/O7csAEeJwA

— Stolen Valor (@StolenValor1) July 25, 2024

It’s unclear whether the Scottsdale police will move forward with vandalism charges against Harris and his wife or what impact the allegations of stolen valor will have on the upcoming election. However, it’s unlikely that Chandler leaders or citizens relish the spotlight these political controversies shine on the city.