City attorney: Durham councilwoman could face extortion charge if claims are true
Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry has asked the state to open an investigation into allegations made during last week’s Durham City Council meeting.
During Thursday’s work session, Durham city council member Monique Holsey-Hyman was accused of offering a developer support for a project if that developer donated to her campaign.
Deberry issued a brief statement on Monday saying, “As with any criminal investigation, the existence of an allegation or inquiry is not on its own confirmation of a violation of the law. The Durham DA’s Office will make no further comments on the matter while the SBI investigation is ongoing.”
On Monday, WRAL News obtained the internal memo sent by City Attorney Kimberly Rehberg to the city council.
It explains the developer -- who has recently submitted applications -- held one-on-one meetings with the Durham City Council, and that's where the reported extortion attempt was made.
"I do not know if the foregoing allegation is true,” Rehberg wrote. “However, as a counsel for the City, I find it extremely alarming.”
If the allegation is true, Rehberg said, it is a felony.
In Rehberg's memo, she explained the potential legal repercussions.
"While I do not have a legal obligation to defend individual City Councilmembers in actions involving personal criminal conduct, it is reasonable to assume that if the developer were to file a civil action on the basis of alleged extortion or attempted extortion, the lawsuit would claim that those actions are imputed to the City," Rehberg wrote. "Further, allegations of extortion would likely cause a significant loss of public confidence in the City's overall handling of land use matters and legislative actions."
Holsey-Hyman is also accused of engaging a city staffer in campaign-related work. Councilwoman Jillian Johnson introduced a resolution to censure Holsey-Hyman for that. The resolution is expected to be voted on at the next city council meeting on April 3.
Pastor explains his view of outburst between two city council members
Pastor Antoinio Wood attended the Thursday Durham City Council work session and saw the outburst between Councilwoman DeDreana Freeman and Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton that took place out of public view after the allegations against Holsey-Hyman.
Wood had attended Thursday’s meeting to speak against gun violence.
In a statement on Monday, Middleton said Freeman made "several attempts to physically strike me."
Wood explained that he saw it differently.
“When a person is talking, you can talk with your hands,” Wood said. “It doesn’t mean I’m trying to hit you.”
Wood said another council member and Mayor Elaine O’Neal were also present, trying to keep the peace.
Although Wood said it seemed Freeman was irate, “There were no punches thrown. She did not attack him,” he said.
