Racist Social Media Posts Attributed To Police Chief’s Daughter

NAUGATUCK, CT — An investigation is being launched into what officials called “disgusting and totally inappropriate” comments that were attributed to a member of Naugatuck Police Chief Steven Hunt’s family and shared on social media Friday.

The Hartford Courant reports the racist social media posts were apparently made by Hunt’s teenage daughter in a series of Snapchat messages. Screenshots of the messages were shared online Friday afternoon by local activists and the Greater Waterbury NAACP, according to the Courant.

Screenshots of the undated messages, which were also sent to Naugatuck Patch, included multiple references to committing violence against Black people and racist comments. One post also referenced Hunt’s appointment as chief.

Mayor Pete Hess, Police Commission Chairman Ralph Roper Jr. and Deputy Police Chief C. Colin McAllister issued a joint statement on Friday night addressing the issue. They said an investigation is being launched by the police department and the Board of Education is conducting a separate investigation.

Hunt’s wife, Johnna Hunt, is an assistant principal at Naugatuck High School, according to the Courant.

“The comments attributed to a member of Police Chief Steven Hunt’s family are disgusting and totally inappropriate,” the joint statement reads. “In Naugatuck and at the Police Department, we condemn any act of racism or bigotry, in any form at any time. Racism and bigotry are totally inconsistent with our values and who we are as a Town and a Police Department. We are currently gathering information internally and are also in the process of bringing in assistance from the outside to conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation. In addition, the Board of Education is currently conducting a separate investigation.

“These comments are not consistent with Police Chief Hunt’s character and leadership of the department as well as the values he has instilled in our Police Department. Also, Mrs. Johnna Hunt has always been a model citizen and a great example for the youth of the community. We are also extremely proud of our Police Department for the unbiased manner in which they conduct their duties every day. Naugatuck is a community that values inclusiveness and diversity. Naugatuck welcomes everyone.”

On Saturday, Steven and Johnna Hunt released a letter to the community:

An open letter to the community:

We were alerted on Friday of racist statements made by our daughter approximately two years ago when she was 13 years old. The statements, which were sent privately to a juvenile acquaintance, were despicable in nature and inexcusable. There are many details as to how these messages became public two years later, but our purpose for releasing this statement is focused only on the conduct of our daughter and our response as a family moving forward.

We have raised all three of our children in a loving household always appreciative of the rich diversity in our community and the complex and often inequitable history of race in our society. We condemn the comments made in these messages. In no way, shape or form do they reflect our hearts, minds or the love we have for all our neighbors in this inclusive community. These words do not represent the words spoken in our home or the values and lessons we have taught our children. We cannot soothe or erase the pain caused by the words and images seen by many. On behalf of our family, we sincerely apologize to all those who were hurt by this. We are left, however, as parents of a scared, regretful child who has and will continue to suffer the consequences of her poor and inexcusable actions. While we fully intend to hold our daughter accountable for her mistakes, we will continue to offer her the same unconditional love any parent would show a child who has erred but showed remorse.

No parent wishes their child to be the primary actor in a “teachable moment”, but there are lessons to be learned. In the age of social media, our words and actions can be scrutinized for all to see. Hurtful and racist comments will live long after they are made. All of us are probably not ever as good as our best day. For our daughter’s sake, we hope that no one will be defined by their worst.

Naugatuck has always been a special place for our family. We were both born and raised here, and take great pride in the wonderful, accepting community that it is. As we walk through the halls of our schools, the streets of our neighborhoods and places we have been throughout the years to support our children’s activities, we are amazed and appreciative of the rich diversity of our people. We are ashamed that this incident occurred and has portrayed our beloved Borough in a negative manner. We plan to take time to reflect as a family on all that has transpired. We welcome the opportunity to listen, grow and engage in respectful dialogue to begin the healing process and make sure we are doing everything possible to contribute to a welcoming and accepting community that promotes social justice for all of its
citizens.

Steven and Johnna Hunt