T.L. Sigmon Charged with Immoral Conduct with His Stenographer, Aug. 29, 1924

Former Burke Officer Faces Serious Charge. . . T.L. Sigmon Is Charged with Immoral Conduct with His Stenographer

Hickory, Aug. 28—T.L. Sigmon of Morganton, former superintendent of public instruction and at the same time county welfare officer of Burke county, yesterday afternoon was arrested under a warrant sworn out by Solicitor R.L. Huffman, charged with immoral conduct with his stenographer, Myrtle Godfrey, according to a statement made by Mr. Huffman today.

Mr. Sigmon’s resignation from the office of superintendent of public instruction and welfare in Burke county had been demanded by the county commissioners several weeks ago, according to a statement made today by Solicitor Huffman. He had held the officer for over 12 years during which time he had done much to build up the public school system of Burke county.

The girl, according to Solicitor Huffman is about to become a mother, and on that account hearing was postponed in the case until tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Huffman stated this morning that he thought the woman would be able to appear at that time. Sigmon is out under bond.

According to the statement made this morning by Solicitor Huffman, the alleged misconduct of the former school head took place in the offices of the superintendent of public instruction and has been taking place for a period of time starting last October. The affair became generally known in the city, Mr. Huffman stated and when it came to his attention the facts were ascertained and the arrest made. The pastor of the First Baptist Church of Morganton, Rev. F.A. Bower, was the direct cause of the case coming out into the public glare, it is said. He received information about the affair and presented it to the solicitor who immediately made an investigation and swore out the warrant. Sigmon was a member of Mr. Brower’s church.

The Godfrey girl is a daughter of W.W. Godfrey of Morganton, a respected and honored citizen who has held public office in the city and county, at one time being a member of the Morganton school board. Solicitor Huffman stated today that he would try to get the maximum sentence of two years for the accused man when the case came up.

From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Friday, August 29, 1924

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