Former Durham city council member sues city over extortion allegations

City Council Member Monique Holsey-Hyman filed a 59-page lawsuit on Tuesday against the city of Durham, Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton, former city council member Jillian Johnson, Planning Director Sara Young, City Attorney Kimberly Rehberg and developer Jarrod Edens.

Holsey-Hyman is seeking thousands of dollars in damages and a jury trial due to her experience with the Durham City Council.

On Friday, the city released a statement about the lawsuit filed by Holsey-Hyman.

"The City, its employees, and officers acted appropriately in response to serious allegations from a private Durham citizen against former Durham City Council Member Monique Holsey-Hyman," the city's statement reads. "The City and the named City defendants disagree with the claims in the lawsuit and look forward to presenting actual facts and vigorously defending themselves in court. "

In November 2023, voters elected incumbent Javiera Caballero, Nate Baker and Carl Rist to fill the openings on the Durham City Council over Holsey-Hyman.

Holsey-Hyman said during a meeting with Edens about annexation and rezoning applications, he told her he wanted to support her endeavors running for the city council.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday provides Holsey-Hyman’s perspective about what was said in the conversation between Holsey-Hyman and Edens.

The documents say she, "Responded jokingly that she did not think he could support her because she did not want to go to jail."

The lawsuit said both Holsey-Hyman and Edens laughed, and moved on to discussion about the annexation.

Holsey-Hyman later voted against Edens' applications.

Durham City Councilor cleared by SBI scolds other elected officials for lack of support

The suit alleges Edens' desire to get his project approved fueled his motive to make a false statement of extortion.

The suit alleges Edens' desire to get his project approved fueled his motive to make a false statement of extortion. Holsey-Hyman argues her "no" vote angered a variety of people, who she says sought revenge.

Holsey-Hyman’s claims include slander, libel, civil conspiracy, and intentional or negligent infliction of mental and emotional distress. She said in addition to professional and career consequences, she has been diagnosed with acute stress disorder and PTSD related to the allegations against her.

“[Freeman] stood up for me,” Holsey-Hyman said in September 2023. “The rest of them tried to sink me.”