West Orange mayoral candidate under investigation after sign removal allegations but she says she had permission from the property owner to remove them

A New Jersey councilwoman and mayoral candidate is under reportedly investigation after being accused of removing political yard signs in West Orange. Police confronted Councilwoman Tammy Williams on Oct. 15 after Apple AirTags hidden inside the signs pinged at her home, according to police body‑camera footage. But she says she had permission from the actual owner.

Williams is running for West Orange mayor.

Local business owner Jarrett Seltzer reportedly purchased the signs and placed dozens of them across town to oppose Williams and Mayor Susan McCartney. He embedded AirTags to track any theft.

Seltzer said someone removed one of his signs from his property on Oct. 10, and he filed a police report.

Police recovered several signs from Williams’ vehicle during the Oct. 15 encounter.

Councilwoman Tammy Williams Pushes Back: ‘I Had Permission’

Williams has vehemently denied the allegations and insists she acted lawfully. In the police footage, she immediately challenged officers and demanded they explain why they called the removal theft.

“How is it a theft?” Williams says in the video.

“Because it’s not your sign,” the detective responds.

She told police she had explicit permission from the property owner to remove the signs and said she followed those instructions.

Her campaign said that “removing a sign from private property with the owner’s permission is not theft.”

In a statement on the councilwoman’s Facebook, her team said that Setlezer placed a sign with air tags in opposition of Tammy Williams on 222 Main Street without the property owner’s permission. Williams said the owner allegedly gave her permission for the sign to be removed.

Williams has also contended the situation is a political tactic. In the statement she said that opponents were engaging in “antics.” She also said she refuses to let election‑season drama overshadow real issues facing West Orange.

Facebook

Seltzer Disputes Her Account

Seltzer told reporters Williams’ explanation is untrue. He argues the signs were his property and says Williams’ actions raise concerns about her judgment. He claims more than 50 signs have been stolen. Moreover, that at least three were directly linked to Williams through AirTag tracking.

Seltzer told CBS News New York that a mayoral candidate “can’t be stealing signs and can’t be lying to police officers.” He said he tracked one missing sign to Williams’ car, where it remained for several days before pinging at her home.

Williams Stands Firm as Election Nears

Williams continues to proclaim her innocence. She says she acted with permission and followed the property owner’s direction. She has urged residents to focus on township issues rather than political theatrics.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the matter remains under investigation.

Early voting is in New Jersey through Nov.  1 and election day is Nov. 3