President Barack Obama gives a statement at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, Hawaii December 29, 2009. REUTERS/Hugh Gentry

MIAMI (Reuters) - An effigy of President Barack Obama was found hanging in the rural hometown of former President Jimmy Carter, local media reported on Sunday, and the Secret Service said it was investigating the case.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper, citing footage seen on WALB-TV, said the large black doll was found hanging from a building by a noose in front of a red, white and blue sign that said: “Plains, Georgia. Home of Jimmy Carter, our 39th President.”

A witness told the television station that the doll, apparently discovered on Saturday, wore a sign with Obama’s name on it.

In Washington, Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan confirmed the agency was investigating the case.