Police investigating threats against Crafton, family

E-mails and phone calls centered on Council member's push for English Only charter amendment

Email | Print By Nate Rau

Metro Police are investigating a series of harassing phone calls and e-mails, which were threatening in nature, made to Councilman Eric Crafton and his family over the weekend.

Metro Police Spokesman Don Aaron said the phone calls and e-mails contained threatening remarks. So far, no arrests have been made and no arrest warrants have been issued, Aaron said.

“The police department is taking these messages very seriously,” Aaron said.

The messages were centered on the proposed English Only charter amendment, which has been pushed by Crafton since earlier this year.

Last week, the Davidson County Election Commission certified the petition signatures gathered by Crafton to force a special election on Jan. 22 for the proposal to make English Metro government’s official language.

Earlier this year, Crafton mailed English Only petition postcards to registered voters for those who supported putting the proposal on the ballot to sign. Some were returned with vulgarities and borderline threatening messages written on them.

Jon Crisp, who is also an English Only supporter, said the messages contained threats specific to Crafton and his family’s habits.

“The messages said, ‘I know where you live,’ and stuff like that,” Crisp said.

English Only proposes that all Metro business be conducted in English, while also stating no individual has a right to services in any other language. The proposal makes exceptions for health and safety measures.

Aaron said Crafton indicated a willingness to prosecute any potential suspect in the crimes.