College Park, Ga. – Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie and the city have issued a strong rebuttal to a federal lawsuit that accuses the councilwoman of improperly influencing the termination of former Police Chief Connie Rogers and of using law‑enforcement resources against political critics.
McKenzie’s denial and the city’s response
In a written statement, McKenzie said, “I had absolutely nothing to do with Connie Rogers’ resignation, never sought her termination, never discriminated against her, and never used my elected position to interfere with law enforcement or personnel decisions.” She called the allegations “false, misleading, and deeply troubling.” The city’s official statement echoed this position, categorically disputing any claim that McKenzie directed or orchestrated the personnel decision involving Chief Rogers.
Details of the lawsuit
The complaint, filed by former Chief Rogers, alleges that McKenzie asked Rogers to issue arrest warrants against individuals she identified as political enemies. It also claims that McKenzie pressured the city to terminate Rogers, citing a conversation in which Councilman Roderick Gay allegedly relayed that McKenzie believed the chief “had failed to meet her expectations.”
According to the lawsuit, in May 2024 McKenzie requested the arrest of a social‑media user she accused of harassment. Police investigated and determined the individual had not violated the law.
Separate protective‑order dispute
Weeks earlier, McKenzie sought a temporary stalking protective order against College Park resident Allyson Blue, a vocal critic of the councilwoman. A Fulton County Superior Court judge dismissed the order after a hearing on September 28. Blue’s attorney, James Walker, argued that McKenzie weaponized the stalking statute for personal purposes.
Current Police Chief Sharis McCrary served Blue with the temporary order on September 21 as Blue arrived for a council meeting. Body‑camera footage from two days before the hearing shows McKenzie stating that a full protective order would prevent Blue from attending council meetings or other events where the councilwoman was present. Blue later posted on the Speak Up College Park Facebook page, describing a “disturbing pattern of intimidation.” McKenzie responded that the clip was taken out of context and that her concerns about Blue’s social‑media activity and communications contributed to her fear for personal safety.
Allegations about the chief’s termination
The lawsuit further alleges that Deputy Chief Sharis McCrary informed Rogers on Dec. 9, 2025, that the city planned to terminate her employment and that an outside agency would escort Rogers from the premises at McKenzie’s request. McKenzie denied any involvement, stating, “I did not initiate, arrange, or direct such an action. I also dispute the allegation attributed to Chief McCrary and reject any suggestion that she was acting on my instructions.”
Community reaction
Local residents and activists have expressed mixed reactions. Katie Corkren, a Georgia Senate candidate and citizen activist, is amending a separate lawsuit to include Blue’s experience, citing possible violations of the Georgia Open Meetings Act. Blue has also filed an ethics complaint against McKenzie.
While the lawsuit remains pending, both McKenzie and the city maintain that the accusations lack merit and that any actions taken were based on legitimate concerns for safety and proper governance.
What’s next?
The federal suit will proceed through the courts, and the city has indicated it will continue to defend its elected officials against what it calls unfounded claims. Residents are encouraged to follow upcoming council meetings for further updates on the matter.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
