Tracking device leads troopers to political sign reported taken in Wasilla

Someone took a political sign from a state right-of-way in Wasilla on Thursday, but the sign's owner had hidden a tracking device on it. Alaska State Troopers used it to find the sign and return it, they said in a dispatch.

Troopers were notified about 10:42 am. They contacted the person they believe took the sign and referred criminal charges to the Alaska Department of Law for review. Charges are accusations, and anyone charged is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The dispatch doesn't name the person, say whose sign it was or say which candidate or measure it promoted. It was taken days before Tuesday's general election.

The dispatch also doesn't say whether the sign was allowed where it stood. Unauthorized political signs are illegal in state highway rights of way, and the state transportation department and public safety officers can remove them without notice, according to the department's campaign sign guidance. Putting one up illegally is a misdemeanor that can bring a fine of $50 to $5,000 per violation.