Resident accuses supervisor of cruel social-media message; board debates and moves to censure

During the citizen-comment period Frank Parker told the King William County Board of Supervisors that Supervisor Mary Sue Bancroft sent public and private Facebook messages blaming Parker’s wife for the 2021 overdose death of their daughter, Sarah. Parker characterized the messages as "cruel" and ‘‘cyberbullying,’’ said they remain online, and asked the board to publicly censure Supervisor Bancroft and place evidence in the meeting record.

Board members acknowledged receipt of the allegation and expressed sympathy to Parker. After discussion, Supervisor [unnamed mover] moved to censure Supervisor Bancroft; the motion was seconded and the board proceeded to a roll call. The roll call recorded the following votes: Miss Robinson — Aye; Mr. Hodges — Aye; Mr. Edwards — Aye; Chair Catlett — Aye. At the time of the roll call, Supervisor Bancroft was noted as ineligible to vote on the motion (the board discussed that she could vote 'present').

Supervisor Bancroft addressed the board and read a prepared statement acknowledging the messages, apologizing, and saying, in part, that "at the time I sent them, my mental acuity was impaired"; she said she attempted to retract and delete the messages and described efforts to make amends.

The board debated whether further action, confidentiality and the role of FOIA disclosures played a part in public dissemination of the messages. Members cautioned against politicizing a personnel matter while others argued the public deserves accountability from elected officials.

No additional disciplinary mechanics or next steps beyond the roll call and public apology were detailed in the transcript excerpted at the meeting.