Attorney for City Manager Demands Cease-and-Desist, Apology Over Defamation Claims

Letter gives Columbus councilors seven days to respond to allegations of a targeted campaign

COLUMBUS, Ga. — The attorney representing City Manager Isaiah Hugley has sent a formal letter to six members of the Columbus City Council, demanding an immediate halt to what he describes as a “sustained and continuing campaign of intimidation, accusations, discrimination, and defamation” against his client.

The letter, authored by Scott Grubman of the Atlanta-based law firm Chilivis Grubman, was addressed to councilors Byron Hickey, JoAnne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, Toyia Tucker, and John Anker. It seeks to correct the record concerning allegations related to a lawfully obtained American Rescue Plan (ARP) grant awarded to State Rep. Carolyn Hugley, the City Manager’s wife.

In the letter, Grubman provided documentation intended to prove that City Manager Hugley acted “appropriately, lawfully, and ethically” and in accordance with legal guidance from the City Attorney’s office.

Among the key pieces of evidence submitted is a May 20, 2022, email from Mr. Hugley to Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, and Mayor Skip Henderson. The correspondence details that upon receiving Rep. Hugley’s ARP application, Mr. Hugley proactively disclosed a potential conflict of interest and sought legal counsel. In response, Fay and Sheftall advised that Deputy City Manager Hodge should handle the matter. Hugley followed their recommendation and presented the application to Hodge for review and signature.

Additional supporting documentation includes an April 7, 2025, email from Hodge to Mayor Pro Tem Gary Allen, further substantiating Hugley’s adherence to proper protocol.

Based on this evidence, Grubman has demanded that the council members:

• Cease and desist any further tortious conduct;
• Retract any public statements accusing Mr. Hugley of unethical or unlawful behavior;
• Issue a public apology within seven days;
• Allow Mr. Hugley to complete his term free of “unlawful harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.”

Grubman emphasized that continued defamatory actions could result in legal consequences.

The request comes amid heightened tensions at City Council, where political discord and accusations have increasingly defined council proceedings in recent months. Neither the mayor’s office nor the named council members have issued public statements in response to the letter as of press time.