A Valparaiso woman was charged Tuesday with a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief for damaging three political signs touting Jim Biggs’ candidacy for another term as county commissioner, according to charging documents.

Megan E. Sutton, 42, allegedly used spray paint to deface the signs, with damages estimated at $900, documents state. She was not in custody as of Wednesday afternoon.

The signs were damaged between Sept. 22 and Oct. 6, according to the charges. Sutton is charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

Biggs said in a phone interview Wednesday that all of the signs were in Liberty Township and residents hosting the first two signs contacted him after they were damaged. Those were at County Road 900 North and Meridian Road, and 900 North and Calumet Avenue.

A witness contacted Biggs about the third sign, also on Calumet Avenue near the 49er Drive-in, after he reportedly saw someone spray painting the sign across the road and went outside, recording with his cellphone, and yelled at the person until they left.

Biggs contacted the Porter County Sheriff’s Department and provided the video and other information from the witness.

Biggs, a Republican who lives in Chesterton, is seeking his third consecutive term as commissioner for the North District. He previously served two terms as commissioner and on the county council.

“I’ve run for office on several different occasions and like other candidates, the worst thing I’ve ever experienced was an occasional missing sign,” which could have been from weather blowing one away, “but I’ve never had one defaced.”

Biggs said he purchased the signs eight years ago when he ran for commissioner and they cost about $130 apiece. He’s heard they’re worth a little over $200 each now because they are printed in three colors on both sides.

The damage, he said, included crude drawings and references to body parts.

“If you don’t like somebody,” Biggs said, “just don’t vote for them.”

alavalley@chicagotribune .com