Two women who claimed to be victims of deceased Smiths Station Mayor F.L. "Bubba" Copeland told parts of their story during the 6 p.m. broadcast of Columbus, Ga.'s WTVM Monday evening news.
Recently, 1819 News revealed Copeland wrote erotic fiction about murdering a real-life local business owner to steal her life, as well as posting pictures of other locals with explicit commentary without their consent.
Ansley Summerlin, who alleged Copeland used her identity, told WTVM her name and likeness appeared on multiple porn sites.
"I had some people start sending me photos that were posted of me on multiple porn sites, I guess you could say that also had pictures of 'Brittini,' as well," she said. "And he proceeded to use my first and middle names on these sites. And I believe there are about nine sites now that have five or six photos of my face and my name across the net."
The second alleged victim, identified as a "local hairstylist in Smiths Station," also discussed her likeness being used in Copeland's writings.
"It said my first and last name," she said. "And it was basically describing the way that I look and intensified, I guess, as a porn star. And it went into very graphic detail. I didn't get past the first page because I honestly couldn't stomach it."
Copeland took his own life on Friday after what Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones described as a "low-speed pursuit" of Copeland as sheriff deputies were attempting to perform a wellness check.
Jones confirmed an investigation was underway, and evidence would be presented to Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere and reviewed by a grand jury.
"We're going through our standard process in that investigation," Jones said. "We will gather all the facts available and evidence that we have, and that will be presented to the district attorney, and a Lee County grand jury will review all the details of this investigation at a future date."
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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