Cornelius commissioner at center of ‘disturbing allegations'

CORNELIUS, N.C. — At a meeting Monday, the mayor of Cornelius said the town is investigating following allegations of misconduct by a commissioner.

“We need to look into it,” Mayor Woodrow Washam said. “We need to do some research if you will. More to come on that in the days and weeks ahead.”

Some residents believe the city wants to sweep the controversy under the rug while others spoke on behalf of the embattled commissioner, offering their support.

Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Miltich is at the center of allegations of misconduct.

Washam said that late last week, the city received an email containing what he called "disturbing allegations" but he did not go into detail.

Two women took the microphone to offer their support for Miltich.

They said they know Miltich personally, and he's never made them uncomfortable.

A third woman, Michele Ferlauto, said she believes the town should be more transparent.

“I don't know why we are suppressing information like this, but it begs the question: What else are you guys hiding?” Ferlauto said.

Miltich responded to the allegations that he made unwanted advances toward at least two women.

"Unfortunately, these days, some people become suspect when they get complimented,” Miltich said in a statement. “I still always do what I can to make others feel good. My compliments are always simple, non-threatening and socially appropriate."

The allegations first became public after Ferlauto requested information from the town about a complaint involving Miltich in 2016.

Channel 9 verified the document's legitimacy with town officials, which describes an employee at a local nonprofit who claimed Miltich "made her uncomfortable" and said "she preferred not to be left alone in a room with (Miltich)."

Miltich supporters believe the allegations are a political attack.

Last week, a second woman came forward with similar allegations.

The woman is a former news reporter who covered council meetings.

In an email to the town manager, she described unwanted advances and provided screenshots of what she said are inappropriate text messages from Miltich.

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