I've been named in a couple of lawsuits in my life, too. It was all garbage, and I walked (all of us did; they were work related).
All Herman has to do is tell the good folks what happened...and I did read the whole article you posted. I’d like to get hold of the Atlanta Constitution article that maybe could bridge our “argument”, although I don’t see it as an argument.
If you’ve hired people in business before and they omit an employer on their job application, they’re subject to termination.
Clear the air now instead of later.