Posted on 06/24/2004 7:02:28 AM PDT by Theodore R.
3 Dovalinas sue Times over taxpayer's comment
Times Staff Reports
The city manager, police chief and Laredo Community College president have filed suit against the Laredo Morning Times, claiming they were defamed in a June 13 article about higher property appraisals.
Larry Dovalina, Agustin Dovalina III and Ramon Dovalina, respectively, also included as defendants: Tricia Cortez, the staff reporter who wrote the article; and businessman Patricio Canavati, owner of Quality Motors, who was quoted in the story.
The suit, filed by Julio Garcia Sr., alleges that one of Canavati's comments "meant, and was intended to mean, that the plaintiffs were thieves."
The defendants claim the statement was false and damaged their reputations.
Laredo Morning Times officials reject the allegations.
"The Laredo Morning Times fairly and accurately quoted a disgruntled taxpayer," said Bill Green, Laredo Morning Times publisher.
06/24/04
If the newspaper was restating an opinion of a man-on-the-street, I don't see how they have a case.
Don't the thieves also have to prove that they aren't, well, thieves, as well?
If the newspaper was restating an opinion of a man-on-the-street, I don't see how they have a case.
That's what happened: the newspaper quoted a private citizen at a public meeting, as I understand it.
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