Two College Park residents say they have experienced harassment and intimidation after raising questions on a community Facebook page that has become increasingly contentious amid ongoing tensions between the mayor and members of city council.
Residents M.L. Howard and Tracy Morrison say they have been threatened as a result of back-and-forth commenting on the Everything College Park Facebook page.
Howard filed a police report on Friday against two people she believes harassed her by sending “fake” cease-and-desist letters to her home after exchanges on the site. Morrison said she has been doxxed by a commenter on the page and plans to speak out at the next city council meeting on Monday, Dec. 1.
Everything College Park is one of two popular community Facebook sites. Engagement on the page is generally by residents who are politically aligned with members of city council and critical of Mayor Bianca Motley Broom.
The other Facebook account — Speak Up, College Park — mostly aligns with Motley Broom and frequently criticizes council members, citing a lack of transparency in the city’s management and financial decisions.
About a month ago, on the Everything College Park page, a commenter using the name “Webster Wallace” began posting lengthy critiques of the mayor and of residents who question council actions, often using aggressive and derogatory language. Residents say the tone of the page has escalated since.
The Facebook page creator and administrator, Demetris Taylor, confirmed that “Webster Wallace” is not one person but an “entity” of contributors. Taylor said he does not know who those individuals are, but he believes at least one is a city staff employee.
Taylor said the page attracts strong feelings about city issues and that commenters should be prepared for heated exchanges, adding that some recent language has been “dangerously close” to going too far.
“I say constantly on my page, if you’re coming over here to start some mess, then you better be able to take the heat,” Taylor said of people who are offended by posts. “I have been confronted. Folks wanted me to take down posts, denounce — I’m not doing a damn thing.”
Doxxing allegations
Morrison, who comments under the name Tracy Tracy to protect her privacy, said she is not overly critical of the city and often seeks to understand different points of view. But she became a target of a commenter listed as “Anonymous participant” after questioning an owner about the legitimacy of their business, which was highlighted in a recent post. The business owner posted under their own name.
After Morrison posted her questions, the anonymous commenter began attacking her character, she said, and posting details about her identity, including her full name, employer, and the state agency that regulates her mortgage broker license. The commenter suggested they might contact Morrison’s employer to report false allegations, which she fears could jeopardize her livelihood.
“There are people who stay away from certain things in life for their own safety, but that doesn’t mean I can’t ask a question on a post,” Morrison said. “They may think it’s funny, but I’ve been shaking for hours.”
Morrison said she has also received several hang-up calls since the exchange. She plans to notify her employer and licensing board as a precaution, in addition to speaking publicly at the upcoming council meeting.
Threats of lawsuit
Howard, a former acting communications manager for College Park, says she has removed recent posts about the importance of due diligence in hiring contract employees, but those posts have led to threats.
In October, Howard emailed a public comment to council raising concerns about a consent-agenda item in which College Park would pay $3,000 per month for a professional services agreement with Mario Malcolm. Similar to other consent agenda items, the agreement was approved without discussion.
Another contract with Xavier Ross is expected to appear on an upcoming council agenda, according to Howard and her posts. Both Malcolm and Ross would serve Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie’s Ward 1 district.
“Lately, I’ve seen some pretty harsh personal attacks and a lot of misinformation flying around on social media, aimed at me and my team,” McKenzie said via text. “It’s disappointing and a bit concerning …”
The councilwoman added that neither she nor anyone on her team is “affiliated with a Webster Wallace.”
On Wednesday, Howard received two cease-and-desist letters from Malcom and Ross, which she believes were not drafted by an attorney. One letter provides an incomplete attorney name and no further information for a law firm. The letters accuse Howard of harassment, defamation, and “intentional infliction of emotional and reputational harm,” and state that legal action will be taken against her.
“My comments… have always been about transparency, accountability, and the sudden involvement of individuals in our civic spaces,” Howard said. “I have raised those concerns during public meetings and through formal channels.”
Howard filed a police report citing harassment on Friday, she said.
SaportaReport attempted to reach Ross and Malcolm through Taylor, but they did not respond to the request for a phone call.
I have been personally attacked, dozed, and threatened by Webster Wallace as well. Dont know who they are and dont much care, but it is really sad how they have attacked people in College Park, and the admin of the page Demetrius is not just allowing the behavior but actively encouraging it.
Too often, members of this council, either themselves, or through surrogates have attacked, sued or otherwise tried to damage citizens or employees or former employees because those folks noticed and commented on unethical or illegal actions. It is a pattern that has persisted for years and seems to be passed on like a hereditary defect. They consistently smear those who simply desire an ethical and responsive government. The growing number of College Park residents who recognize this and are speaking up is encouraging as is the Saporta Report’s ongoing coverage. That combination if coupled by law enforcement action, can change the character of the governance.
Ms. Murchison, I have one simple question. Did you actually do your due diligence before writing and posting this article? Because the facts were misrepresented by Ms. Tracy Morrison, and I know that firsthand.
Let’s call it what it is. This is someone who has spent the past year mocking residents, taking jabs, and harassing people she doesn’t even know. She has not been doxxed. No one has rallied anyone against her, which is what doxxing actually is. A quick search of “Tracy Tracy” on both pages would have shown you exactly who’s been stirring the pot.
And Ms. Morrison, if you’re going after people, don’t be shocked when the rabbit has the gun.
As for you, Ms. Adrianne M. Murchison, if you want to be respected as a reporter, try writing from a place that isn’t biased, because a lot of your articles read that way. I don’t recall you reporting on the Mayor’s failed lawsuits against her own city, yet every negative story directed at the council seems to make your list. What’s the reason for that imbalance? I’m genuinely curious, because it comes across as extremely one-sided.
Credibility matters.
Adrianne, you should be ashamed of yourself for turning the Saporta Report into a petty biased tabloid. Has Maria been reading the trash you continue to put out. And how much are these people you work for in College Park paying you to embarrass yourself. You could really do much better than this. This article is trash. These women are liars and I guess you didn’t research the posts they have made. When you decide you want to be some a real journalist, hit us up and we can give you the truth about College Park but be ready for it to expose the folks you are protecting and make you look like a fool for promoting the same garbage for the past few years that caused the AJC to let you go.
It’s concerning to see online disagreements escalate to real-life harassment. The issues in College Park highlight the importance of respectful dialogue and civil engagement, especially in community discussions. It’s essential for all parties to prioritize understanding and constructive communication.
Situations like this are common in celebrity disputes, where reputation and income matter jona källgren familj. Lifestyle news often shows cease-and-desist letters used more as pressure tactics than solid legal action claims escalate.