ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

“He frequently physically visited my office, including an incident on Dec. 3, 2024, when, after he repeatedly rang the doorbell for entry to my building, he climbed over a bush and looked into my office window,� Haffner wrote in a Petition for Order of Protection.

Haffner also said Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto agreed that she did not have to speak to McFarland, yet McFarland reportedly continued attempts to contact Haffner. McFarland allegedly made sexual advances and eventually threatened her job.

Court records state McFarland was observed asking other county employees about Haffner and her whereabouts. On at least two occasions, county employees stated they saw McFarland sitting outside of the Post Office across the street from the WCTV office observing the building.

On July 2, a temporary Order of Protection was granted and McFarland was told, “Do not come about [Haffner] … for any purpose.�

On July 17, Haffner submitted a motion for a court hearing to determine if McFarland should be held in contempt for violation of the terms of the order.

During a court hearing on July 24, McFarland said his intentions on communication were related to work and what public funds given to WCTV were spent on. He denied any inappropriate behavior.

“I’m responsible to go back before the County Commission — the Commissioners — and give them some type of report on how this money was spent,� McFarland said. “And that’s the biggest reason I’ve been trying to get in touch with Ms. Haffner, ‘cause I don’t have a clue how it was spent.�

However, officials say Haffner reports directly to Mayor Hutto and not any of the commissioners.

According to Haffner, McFarland allegedly entered her office while carrying a firearm and told her he had the firearm on his person.

During the hearing, McFarland was asked about the claim of him carrying a firearm near Haffner. He said it was “incorrect� and that he was never asked by law enforcement if he ever carried it in a government building.

As per terms of the Order of Protection, McFarland was ordered to transfer all firearms he owns to another person legally able to possess firearms. The ownership, possession, purchase and sale of firearms and ammunition is prohibited.

Court records say McFarland owned a .38 caliber Colt Cobra and a 12-gauge Browning shotgun.

Donnavon Vasek, attorney representing McFarland, said he intends to appeal the order, and as of July 28, filed a notice of appeal.