NATCHEZ — Photographs purportedly showing a juvenile removing a county sheriff candidate’s campaign sign posted near Highland Boulevard circulated Monday on social media.

Travis Patten, who is on today’s ballot along with fellow Democrat Randy Freeman, said he was alerted to the photos a few hours after they were taken at approximately 8:15 a.m. Monday.

Multiple photos show a juvenile removing a Patten sign from near the roadway and putting it in the trunk of a light-colored car.

The photos caused a “firestorm” on Facebook, Patten said.

“It has been happening the entire campaign,” he said. “But I have just reminded everyone to stay focused on our message — that Adams County is united and moving forward — and not be distracted by this kind of activity.”

Natchez Police Department Detective Jerry Ford said the Adams County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigating into the signs. Sheriff Chuck Mayfield, who did not receive enough votes to make today’s run-off election, could not be reached for comment.