Hagerstown Councilmember Erika Bell Addresses Ethics Complaint and Dismissed Charges

Hagerstown City Councilmember Erika Bell has issued a statement addressing recent allegations and public commentary that have surrounded her, particularly in light of the dismissal of charges against Terrance Lee Murphy and the conclusion of an ethics complaint. The statement, released today, aims to provide clarity and counter what Bell describes as a lack of verified facts or due process.

The events leading to these discussions began in September of this year when Senator Paul D. Corderman filed an ethics review and a Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) request concerning Councilmember Bell. These actions were reportedly prompted by information suggesting that Bell may have used her official capacity to influence matters related to the Hagerstown City Police Department, potentially for personal or associate benefit under questionable circumstances. Senator Corderman’s office indicated that other city officials and local unions had intended to raise these concerns with the City of Hagerstown’s Ethics Commission. The PIA request was filed concurrently with the ethics review request to promote transparency. Radio Free Hub City filed duplicate PIA requests, and released the associated videos as they were provided to us to provide transparency to the community.

The complaint detailed allegations that Councilmember Bell may have violated Section 33-4 of the City of Hagerstown Code of Ethics, which addresses the use of one’s official position for private gain. Specifically, Bell was accused by Senator Corderman of referencing her title as a Councilmember in interactions with the Hagerstown Police Department on multiple occasions over the preceding months, with the intent to influence discussions and provide advantages.

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Two specific incidents were cited in the complaint. One involved a traffic stop investigation of Terrance Lee Murphy, during which Bell allegedly inserted herself and her official title into the proceedings. Another incident concerned a vandalism investigation at Wheaton Park, where Bell was also alleged to have used her position to influence the police department’s inquiry.

Further details emerged regarding an incident on or around July 27, 2025, involving Terrance Lee Murphy and a handgun. Allegations stated that Murphy, in possession of a handgun in Wheaton Park, dropped it and then transferred it to Councilmember Bell, who then placed it in a vehicle. This was reportedly followed by a traffic stop involving Murphy, during which Bell allegedly intervened using her title. Subsequently, in late August or early September 2025, Murphy was charged with illegal firearm possession in connection with this event.

Maryland court records confirmed that Terrance Lee Murphy faced multiple firearm-related charges for an incident on July 27, 2025. An arrest warrant was issued in late August, and Murphy was charged with two felony counts of “FIREARM POSS CRIM VIOLENCE/FELONY” and one misdemeanor count of “REG FIREARM:ILLEGAL POSSESSION.” Murphy had entered a plea of not guilty.

However, earlier this month, on December 9, 2025, the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office officially dismissed all charges against Terrance Lee Murphy. Assistant State’s Attorney Brock Shriver requested a nolle prosequi, citing a review of evidence that cast doubt on the nature of the item in question. The State’s Attorney’s Office’s clarification regarding the dismissal came after the release of security footage and subsequent news articles, and stated that the lack of a recovered firearm as evidence undermined the probable cause for the original charges.

In her statement released today, Councilmember Bell asserted that much of what has been publicly discussed has occurred without verified facts or due process. She criticized the current social media environment for creating a “court of public opinion” where individuals are judged without evidence, thus damaging public trust. Bell described experiencing personal attacks, being demeaned, and referred to with derogatory language, stating this treatment reflects the surrounding climate rather than her own actions. She also pointed out that a citizen was detained and incarcerated for three months without substantiated evidence and was denied bail based solely on an unproven allegation, and characterized the alleged weapon as a non-lethal item, such as a pellet gun or mace. The full content of her statement is below.

FOR COMMUNITY RELEASE

Statement from Councilwoman Erika Bell Regarding Recent Allegations and Public Commentary

Over the past several months, incidents involving me have been discussed publicly and amplified through social media and commentary. Much of what has been said has occurred without verified facts, due process, or a full understanding of the circumstances. I am issuing this statement to set the record straight.

Social media has become a court of public opinion where individuals are judged and condemned without evidence. This environment damages public trust and undermines leadership when speculation replaces truth.

Our system of justice is built on evidence, procedure, and due process—not rumor, repetition, or outrage. I respect that system, and I will continue to abide by it.

I stand firmly on my values: commitment to community, respect for law enforcement, accountability, and fairness. I will not resign. I reject the notion that I should feel shame or embarrassment. Senator Corderman has publicly stated that he does not hold these allegations against me, yet I have remained the primary target of public attacks.

I have been publicly targeted over allegations and assumptions —. I have been demeaned, labeled, and told that I “deserve what happens to me.” I have even been referred to using derogatory language. This treatment says far more about the climate surrounding this issue than it does about me.

Disagreement is part of public service. Harassment and dehumanization are not. I will not be intimidated out of serving, nor will I normalize behavior that discourages qualified people—especially women—from public leadership.

The incidents being discussed occurred at two separate times and have been repeatedly mischaracterized. During a traffic stop, I approached the scene not as a councilwoman asserting authority, but as a community member who identified herself only after being questioned by law enforcement- of “who are you?” I did not interfere, obstruct justice, or attempt to absolve anyone of wrongdoing. My sole intent was to prevent the vehicle from being unnecessarily towed. The vehicle was searched, and nothing illegal was found. At no point did I invoke my position, issue directives, or seek preferential treatment. Any implication otherwise is false.

There was no cover-up. The alleged weapon referenced publicly was a non-lethal weapon; (otherwise a legal pellet/mace).
I chose not to comment publicly while these matters unfolded to allow the process to proceed without interference. That decision was deliberate and responsible. Speaking prematurely would have fueled misinformation. Waiting was not weakness—it was respect for the process and for the public I serve.

No person’s past should be used as a permanent conviction. My personal life or associations do not negate my ability or my right to serve this community with integrity.

Most importantly; I intentionally did not involve the Mayor, the City Administrator, or my fellow council members. I made that decision to protect the integrity of the council and to prevent unnecessary politicization.

In addition, an ethics complaint was filed by Senator Corderman. That complaint was reviewed in full by the Ethics Committee. After examining the circumstances, the Committee determined there was no basis to move forward. These outcomes are not opinions; they are facts. Both the legal process and the ethics review process concluded without findings against me.

Throughout this process, I adhered strictly to the rules and guidance of the Ethics Committee by refraining from public discussion or commentary related to these matters. That restraint was intentional and rooted in respect for due process and established ethical standards.

While both the legal and ethics processes have concluded, continued public discussion of resolved matters—particularly by elected officials—raises broader concerns about consistency, responsibility, and leadership priorities. This concern is heightened when such commentary comes from individuals who have previously served on City Council and are well aware of the importance of ethical restraint.

Leadership is not measured by proximity to controversy, but by commitment to service. Many of us remain focused on the daily work required to move our community forward—work that demands presence, collaboration, and humility.

I remain committed to the residents of Hagerstown. I remain focused on transparency, accountability, and service. I will continue to serve as a Councilwoman and do the work the community elected me to do.

For clarity and completeness:

All charges related to the traffic matters and the alleged weapon were dismissed by the court through a nolle prosequi. There are no pending charges. There was no finding of wrongdoing.

For the record, a citizen was detained and incarcerated for three months without substantiated evidence, and was denied bail based solely on an unproven allegation.

I remain open to additional dialogue regarding this matter.

Councilwoman Erika Bell

**Attached is the Ethics Committee decision**

Councilmember Erika Bell.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from a release by Councilmember Erika Bell and previous coverage.

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