GROVES — Jill Pierce, attorney for Groves City Councilman Cross Coburn, whose nude photos were sent to City Hall and the news media, believes someone on the City Council has launched a smear campaign against her client.

Pierce brought the concerns to the City Council in the form of a timeline. On Feb. 22, an envelope was sent to Groves City Hall with photos of a shirtless Coburn, 19, as well as photos of male genitals taken from a gay dating site.

The timeline, according to Pierce, include:

• Feb. 27, the mayor calls Coburn to meet the next day in reference to the envelope.
• Feb. 28, Coburn meets with the mayor.
• March 5, the mayor and council members were advised by the city manager that Coburn can’t be kicked off the council; the only option is a citizen-driven recall.
• March 9, envelopes were mailed to local media outlets.
• March 13, news stories run about the envelope.

The News and other media received an envelope that included a letter that asked “Is this in any way proper behavior of a councilman to represent himself online or a ‘dating’ app? I felt the city council should be made aware of the situation.”

“The story appears in the news a full 15 days after the envelope was sent to city hall,” Pierce said. “Based on the envelope, someone with Groves sent it to the media to stir up the public. That action could eventually expose the city to legal action.”

She said a professional investigative team has been hired to find out how the envelope was sent to the media.

“If they (sender) had wanted to smear him they would have sent it straight to the media but somehow two plus weeks later they get a letter,” she said. “We are investigating and will take all necessary legal measures.”

Pierce said she wants citizens who are asked to sign a recall petition to know the smear campaign came from someone in the city.

After the short council meeting Coburn spoke with supporters Hannah Perkins, Hanna Fore, Haley Broussard, Meagan Vanhaverbeke and Molly Fore.

“It’s irritating. He was raised to follow his dream and Cross’ dream was to have a stance in government,” Perkins said. “He followed his dream and is successful and there are people trying to tear him down for reasons not related to politics.”

Molly Fore said she believes the attempt to oust Coburn from the council represents a “witch hunt” and that if people look at the private life of others on the council they will find something.

“It’s the equivalent of peeking into someone’s bedroom and taking pictures. It’s so blatantly obvious. We will continue to support him.”

Cross left the foyer of City Hall and walked back into council chambers where Ashley Nunley and daughter Makayla Nunley were having a discussion about Coburn with William Howlett. On May 4 Howlett filed the necessary paperwork for a recall petition and has 20 days from May 4 to collect signatures from 10 percent of the city’s registered voters or about 953 signatures.

Howlett said previously he would withdraw his petition if Coburn resigns; Coburn said that was not an option.

Howlett said his concern what he said is poor judgment on Coburn’s behalf regarding the nude photos.