WCAC

Two Waltham residents will face misdemeanor larceny charges in connection with the theft of a law enforcement support sign earlier this month.

But it could be a while before a court hearing is held.

According to a Waltham Police press release, the department has submitted paperwork to Waltham District Court for criminal complaints after an ongoing investigation.

A male and a female, both 33, are each being charged with larceny under $1,200, a misdemeanor. Both live in Waltham.

The suspects were not arrested, and police declined to name either, per department policy. The release said no further information would be provided.

The incident happened around 9:00 p.m. on August 11.

In video posted to social media by Waltham Police, a male steals a sign from the lawn of a private residence on Wheelock Road near Stanley Elementary School. He is accompanied by a female.

The lawn sign read “WE THANK & SUPPORT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.”

The two suspects will be notified of a show cause hearing before a clerk magistrate in Waltham District Court.

That private hearing, which will not be open to the public, is intended to determine if probable cause has been established for the allegations.

But with Waltham District Court facing a significant backlog due to the coronavirus, it’s unclear how long the court will need to schedule and hold the hearing. It could be a month or longer.

The sign theft had an impact on the tight-knit neighborhood near Brandeis where it happened.

“It’s troubling to me,” said Wheelock Road resident Carolyn Fine. “Our freedom of speech is protected. As soon as I heard the sign was missing, I said I need a sign.”

Currently Fine and other neighbors nearby are displaying law enforcement support signs identical to the one stolen.