'Sleepy Joe (Cheater)' Mannequin Taken Down, Police Say

BRENTWOOD, CA — The Brentwood Police Department said it asked the U.S. Secret Service to look into an incident where a homeowner hung a "Sleepy Joe (Cheater)" mannequin.

According to Brentwood police, officers responded Thursday morning to a report about a mannequin hanging from a tree on Craig Court. What they found was a mannequin hanging from a rope from the side of a second-story residence against a backdrop of American flags.

Police said the mannequin was clothed with a black hat covering its face, with the cardboard sign, an apparent reference to a nickname President Donald Trump has said about his opponent, Vice President Joe Biden, in Tuesday's election. The outcome of the presidential race was still pending results Thursday from several states.

Police said the homeowner agreed to take down the mannequin.

Officers documented the incident with a report and photos which were shared with the Contra Costa County District's Attorney's Office.

"The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that this act was not criminal, further stating offensive expression is protected under the First Amendment," police said.

"The Brentwood Police Department’s investigation into this matter will be forwarded to the United States Secret Service for their review."

The photos were posted to the Brentwood Police Department's Facebook page earlier Thursday but have since been removed.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.