Former Delaware Council Member Pleads Guilty to Harassment Charges

Cory Hoffman sentenced to probation after repeatedly contacting a Powell woman

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, discarded envelope or torn piece of paper, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the evidence of harassment and stalking.A stark, gritty image of the physical evidence behind a former council member's harassment charges exposes the abuse of power by elected officials.Powell Today

Cory Hoffman, a former Delaware City Council member, pleaded guilty to two charges of telecommunications harassment after repeatedly contacting a Powell woman. As part of a plea agreement, two charges of menacing by stalking were dismissed. Hoffman was sentenced to 180 days in jail for each charge, with most of the time suspended, and given credit for time served. He was also sentenced to two years of community control and ordered to pay court fees.

Why it matters

This case highlights the issue of elected officials abusing their power and position to harass and stalk private citizens. It raises concerns about accountability and the ability of public servants to maintain appropriate boundaries with constituents.

The details

Hoffman was charged with first-degree misdemeanor counts of telecommunications harassment and menacing by stalking after the woman told police she had received a "multitude" of emails from Hoffman, who allegedly used multiple email addresses over several weeks. He was charged again in January for sending text messages, photos, and a package with handwritten notes to the same woman. Hoffman was charged a third time and had his bond revoked in April for violating a protection order to have no contact with the woman.

  • Hoffman was charged in November 2025 with telecommunications harassment and menacing by stalking.
  • Hoffman was charged again on January 1, 2026 with another count of menacing by stalking.
  • Hoffman was charged a third time and had his bond revoked on April 13, 2026 for violating a protection order.

The players

Cory Hoffman

A former Delaware City Council member who pleaded guilty to two charges of telecommunications harassment after repeatedly contacting a Powell woman.

Powell woman

A woman in Powell, Ohio who accused Hoffman of stalking and harassment, leading to his charges and guilty plea.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold our elected officials accountable when they abuse their power and position to harass private citizens.”

— Maria De Vito, Author

What’s next

Hoffman will serve two years of community control (probation) and must pay $1,074.65 in fees and court costs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries between elected officials and constituents, and the need for strong accountability measures to prevent abuse of power.