GOP activist can’t sue website, court rules
An appeals court has ruled that a Republican activist can’t sue a website for libel for publishing a story about how he allegedly vandalized a political rival’s $200,000 Bentley.
In April 2005, Ronald Cedillos reportedly got into a shouting match at a Newport Beach restaurant with attorney Joe Cavallo.
Later, Cedillos allegedly used a key to scratch the Bentley’s paint job.
The website www.twistedbadge.comowned by private investigator Michael Madigan, reported the incident, and Cedillos sued for defamation.
But the 4th District Court of Appeal said in a June 22 opinion that Cedillos cannot sue for libel because he’s a reserve deputy and must meet stricter rules for public officials who want to bring defamation suits.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
