A defamation-libel lawsuit by the former Lenox Township supervisor against the current supervisor for statements in campaign literature was thrown out by a Macomb County judge Friday halfway through the trial.
Visiting Judge Antonio Viviano granted a directed-verdict motion in the case that pitted former Lenox supervisor Ron Trombly and his brother, Cameron, against the current Supervisor Anthony Reeder and cohort, Phillip Camarda, for statements by Reeder in political literature. The case was tossed before the eight-person jury heard the defense.
“We’re pleased the court evaluated all of the evidence and was able to resolve the complaint,” said Reeder’s attorney, Grace Crivello.
Viviano ruled the statements were protected political speech.
“The court determined they (plaintiff and attorney) did not meet all of the elements,” Crivello said.
The decision was lambasted by Trombly’s attorney, Paul Cassidy, who said it encourages false statements about politicians during political campaigns.
“The judge basically pushed back the justice system 200 years,” Cassidy said. “He has made it open season on politicians.”
Under the ruling, “You can accuse someone of being corrupt and sexually harassing their secretary, with the township paying it (legal bills), accuse someone of a crime as long as it’s during a campaign,” Cassidy said.
Viviano ruled that the defendants did not commit malice, and the statements were protected by the First Amendment.
Cassidy vowed his...
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