'Climate of intimidation': Nashville councilmember faces formal ethics complaint

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A neighborhood group called Voices for District 20 has filed a formal ethics complaint against Metro Council member Rollin Horton, alleging retaliation, abuse of power and the doxxing of a resident’s personal information online.

The complaint follows a contentious summer in the Nations neighborhood, where Horton spearheaded a controversial rezoning effort that drew opposition from some residents. Members of Voices for District 20, who later launched an effort to recall Horton, now claim he retaliated against them.

“We felt that there was a climate of fear and intimidation, and we were not being listened to at all by Council member Horton,” said Rachel Gladstone, a Nations resident and member of the group.

Earlier this week, the group filed its complaint, accusing Horton of what they describe as a “sustained campaign of intimidation, harassment, doxxing and interference.”

Gladstone said she was stunned by Horton’s alleged behavior.

“I was really shocked by Rollin’s behavior, because I canvassed for him. I voted for him,” she said. “It’s been disconcerting.”

The complaint outlines why members believe Horton may have been connected to the doxxing of one of their volunteers after an Instagram account posted the woman’s home address online. Horton is also accused of showing up at the group’s recall petition events.

“He was there for hours and physically came between some of our volunteers and people who they were talking to,” Gladstone said. “And it happened to me as well.”

The group further alleges Horton encouraged other residents to call police on their petition tables set up in parks or outside supportive businesses, citing permit issues.

“Rollin called (the business owner) and texted her at least 10 times in a matter of minutes trying to get us removed,” Gladstone said of one business owner. “And she said, this is my property. I’ve agreed to this.”

In the complaint, Voices for District 20 wrote that “these actions have deterred residents from signing the petition due to fear of retaliation, including business loss or targeted enforcement.” The group is asking the Metro Ethical Conduct Board to open an investigation, hold a full hearing and subpoena Horton’s cell phone and computer records.

Horton responded to FOX 17 News with a written statement, calling the allegations unfounded:

“This complaint is another baseless attempt by the same individuals to disparage me. First these individuals tried to stop the Nations Neighborhood plan, a plan that allows for middle income housing and requires more trees to be planted. Then, they tried to recall me over the same plan — unsuccessfully. Rather than accept the outcome of the democratic processes, this small group of individuals continues to try and thwart it. I remain humbled and grateful for the support of the people of District 20. I look forward to putting this distraction behind us, and continuing to address the issues our community faces.”