Newport News councilwoman files charges against school board member, alleging stalking and destruction of property
A Newport News School Board member is facing charges of stalking and property destruction brought against him by a city councilwoman he previously dated.
Councilwoman Sharon Scott reported what she called “an assault” on her home and vehicle — which she said was the work of school board member Marvin Harris — to Newport News police around Oct. 18.
Online records show five charges against Harris were filed Oct. 21 in the Newport News General District court system. The charges include: stalking, trespassing, destruction of property, entering property to damage it, and installing software to control or disable.
Harris was arraigned Friday and released on recognizance. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 20. Harris did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Scott declined to share details of the vandalism so as not to interfere with the police investigation. She said she was not home at the time her home and car were vandalized, but she is “pretty comfortable” it was Harris.
“I’m disappointed that any human being would do what has been done to me to anybody,” Scott said.
The same day Scott reported the vandalism, she also requested a protection order against Harris.
Scott said the two dated for about three years nearly a decade ago, ending things in 2013 or 2014.
Scott was elected May 2018 to her fifth term as one of two council members who represent the North District of Newport News. Her term is set to expire at the end of this year.
Harris was elected to his second term as a North District School Board member in July 2020. His term will expire in 2024.
Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com
