TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jan 13, 2026

Former Millersville officials have filed a series of federal lawsuits accusing activists, former city leaders and journalists of conspiracies ranging from defamation to racketeering and even international terrorism. Defendants say the claims are frivolous and unsupported. According to The Tennessean, the lawsuits stem from years of turmoil in the small town, including mass firings, resignations, accusations of secret meetings and a botched 2024 sex-trafficking sting that later led to the indictment of a police captain. Five former employees — including ex-assistant police chief Shawn Taylor and former city attorney Bryant Kroll — allege coordinated efforts by activists, commissioners and reporters to sabotage investigations, defame them and force them from office. News organizations and the city have moved to dismiss the cases, arguing the allegations lack factual basis and that reporting and public statements are protected by the First Amendment.