Council to Hold Hearing on Charges Against Ald Smedley for Online Comments

The New Britain City Council has scheduled a special meeting and hearing to determine whether Ald Robert Smedley should be disciplined or removed from office following a series of online comments that the charges against him said appeared defamatory, dangerous, profane and “disgraceful”.

This formal proceeding follows the Council’s approval of Resolution No. 37071 in February which provided for the hearing and consideration of a range of disciplinary actions “up to removal” from the Council.

The resolution outlines four specific charges stemming from Smedley’s alleged actions on February 3, 2026:

• Smedley is accused of using social media to broadcast messages that “appear unsubstantiated, unverified, and potentially defamatory” accusations against a city staff member and her family. The resolution describes this as a “reckless misuse of office”
• The document alleges Smedley’s public remarks created a “legitimate fear of bodily harm” for the city employee and raised serious concerns regarding the safety of the employee’s family.
• Charges state that Smedley targeted members of the public and constituents with “profane language and aggressive conduct,” ignoring efforts by others to de-escalate the situation.
• The final charge characterizes Smedley’s behavior as “disgraceful” and “highly disrespectful,” asserting that he has brought discredit upon himself and the City of New Britain.

At the February 18th Council meeting, Smedley admitted his comments were made in a state of “anger, emotional distress and in grief” and issued a formal apology to the city and the family of the late Ald Jerrell Hargraves. The controversy reportedly stems from online posts made under the name “Colin Rober”—an alias allegedly used by Smedley—which appeared to blame a member of the Mayor’s staff and her family for the passing of Ald Hargraves.

The hearing is to be Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Editor’s note: The cover photo by is Dr Frank Gerratana