EASTON, Conn. — Connecticut state Rep. Anne Hughes, a Democrat who represents Easton, Redding and Weston, was arrested Friday and issued a misdemeanor summons on a charge of sixth-degree larceny after police said they found stolen political signs on property she owns, NBC Connecticut reported.

The signs had been taken from the roadside near Route 59 and Judd Road in Easton, according to Easton police. Campaign staff for Darrell Harris reported them missing.

Police said an AirTag tracker showed at least one of the signs was on Hughes' property. After a follow-up investigation, Hughes returned several signs, including the one carrying the tracker, police said.

The charge is an allegation, and Hughes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

In an apology posted on Facebook, Hughes acknowledged removing signs she said should not have been on public property. She said she should have contacted police or her opponent's campaign instead, that she accepts full responsibility and that she is committed to civil discourse for the rest of the race. "Campaigns should be about issues and differences of ideas, not yard signs," she wrote.

The Easton Republican Town Committee said the case raises serious questions about Hughes' judgment and integrity. The committee acknowledged her apology but said it does not erase the consequences, according to NBC Connecticut.

The Easton Democratic Town Committee said it does not condone Hughes' actions but appreciated that she took responsibility. It urged residents who see improperly placed signs to report them to police or the campaign involved.

State Republicans also criticized Hughes, accusing her of believing she is above the law. State Democratic leaders did not respond to NBC Connecticut's request for comment.

Hughes has represented the 135th House District since 2019. The arrest comes days before Tuesday's election.