Senator Corderman Initiates Ethics Review Regarding Hagerstown City Councilmember Bell

According to a press release from the Office of Senator Paul D. Corderman, an ethics review and a Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) request have been filed concerning Hagerstown City Councilmember Erika Bell. These actions stem from information received by Senator Corderman’s office that allegedly indicates Councilmember Bell may have used her official position to influence discussions related to the Hagerstown City Police Department, potentially for personal or associate gain under questionable circumstances. The office stated that it was their understanding that other city officials and local unions, including AFSCME Council 67, Local 3373, and the Hagerstown Police Union, had intended to bring these concerns before the City of Hagerstown’s Ethics Commission, but such a review had not yet taken place.

Senator Corderman’s office emphasized the importance of sharing such information with the relevant authorities for review, stating that failure to act would be irresponsible and a breach of their duty to the citizens of Hagerstown. The PIA request, filed alongside the ethics review request, aims to bring transparency to the matter. The office believes it is their obligation as public servants representing Hagerstown to present these concerns to the City’s Ethics Commission and expressed trust in the commission’s ability to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation, including a public hearing and the issuance of findings.

The core of the complaint revolves around Section 33-4 of the City of Hagerstown Code of Ethics, specifically the subsection addressing the use of prestige of office for private gain. According to the information presented, Councilmember Bell is accused of inserting her title as a Councilmember into interactions with the Hagerstown Police Department (HPD) on more than one occasion over the past several months. These alleged actions were intended to influence conversations and provide an advantage for herself or others associated with her.

The complaint details two specific instances where Councilmember Bell’s alleged intervention occurred. The first involves multiple traffic stop investigations of Terrance Lee Murphy. During these stops, Councilmember Bell reportedly inserted herself and her official title into the HPD’s proceedings. A separate incident cited in the complaint relates to a bathroom vandalism investigation at Wheaton Park. Following this incident, Councilmember Bell is also alleged to have used her position to influence the HPD’s investigation into the vandalism.

Further details in the complaint outline a specific event on or before July 27, 2025, involving Terrance Lee Murphy, a handgun, and Councilmember Bell. According to the allegations, Mr. Murphy was in possession of a handgun in Wheaton Park, dropped it, and then transferred possession of the firearm to Councilmember Bell, who subsequently placed it into a vehicle. This incident was followed by a traffic stop involving Mr. Murphy, during which Councilmember Bell again allegedly intervened using her title. Subsequently, in late August or early September 2025, Terrance Lee Murphy was charged with illegal firearm possession in relation to this event.

Following these events and after requesting legal counsel regarding the investigation, Councilmember Bell is reported to have had a direct, undocumented meeting lasting approximately two hours with Hagerstown Police Chief Kifer. The complaint suggests this meeting was a one-on-one discussion.

To support the allegations, a Public Information Act request has been made by Senator Corderman, seeking relevant body camera footage from the Hagerstown Police Department for all interactions involving Councilmember Bell over the past ten months, including traffic stops, service calls, and investigations. Additionally, video footage from the City-Wide Surveillance System in and around Wheaton Park for July 27, 2025, is being sought, specifically looking for any interaction involving a handgun between Terrance Lee Murphy and Councilmember Bell.

The complaint also states that information pertaining to these allegations is reportedly known by various city officials, including the City Administrator, department directors, the Chief of Police, and leadership within the police department, as well as representatives from AFSCME Council 67, Local 3373, and the Hagerstown Police Union.

Maryland court records confirm that Murphy, also known by the alias “T-TOP”, was charged with multiple firearm related charges for an incident on July 27, 2025. An arrest warrant was issued for Murphy on August 29, 2025, by Judge Dana Moylan Wright and was served on September 3, 2025. According to court records, Murphy was initially held without bond. A bail review hearing was scheduled for September 4, 2025, but was cancelled and reset. A subsequent bail review hearing took place on September 5, 2025, before Judge Brett Robert Wilson. A jury trial is currently scheduled for November 25, 2025, with Judge Joseph Michael presiding. Court documents indicate that Murphy entered a plea of not guilty on September 22, 2025. Murphy is charged with two counts of “FIREARM POSS CRIM VIOLENCE/FELONY,” classified as felonies, and one count of “REG FIREARM:ILLEGAL POSSESSION,” a misdemeanor.

Outside of the complaint and incident, Radio Free Hub City was able to verify a link between Bell and Murphy through Maryland Case Search. Both are listed as residing at the same residence in Hagerstown, and Bell posted a cash bond for Murphy in July 2024 related to a trespassing incident from October 2023. Murphy was found guilty in that case, received a 90-day suspended sentence, and one year probation.

The relevant section of the City ethics ordinance is § 33-4 G (1) (a) [1], which states an official or employee may not intentionally use the prestige of office or public position for the private gain of that official or employee or the private gain of another. The Hagerstown Ethics Commission is now tasked with conducting a thorough review and investigation of this information. This will likely include examining the requested video footage, conducting interviews with Councilmember Bell, city officials, police leadership, union representatives, and other councilmembers, as well as any other individuals deemed relevant.

Councilmember Bell could not be reached for comment regarding the Senator’s accusations. Radio Free Hub City has filed a request for the same records as Senator Corderman.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Office of Senator Paul D. Corderman and Maryland Case Search.

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