LaDucer to File Slander Lawsuit Against 3 Accusers

The attorney for former Assistant Sheriff Dennis LaDucer said he will file a lawsuit today against three women who accused his client of sexual misconduct, alleging that they lied to sheriff’s investigators and conspired to get LaDucer fired.

The lawsuit will accuse the women of slander, defamation, conspiracy and knowingly making false statements against LaDucer, 52, the former commander of the 1,300-member patrol and investigative divisions.

Sheriff’s Lt. Wendy Costello, office employee Mary Ann Hoyt and Deputy Florence “Jeanie” Henson allege in their sexual harassment lawsuits filed in June and July that the 31-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department badgered, groped and propositioned them.

LaDucer’s attorney, Bruce D. Praet of Santa Ana, said material furnished by the department from its own internal investigation into the women’s charges supports his decision to file the counter suit.

The lawsuit states the three women told investigators their allegations are supported by independent, third-party witnesses.

“Those witnesses, however, have also been interviewed, and their recorded statements confirm the allegations made by the defendants are false and with reckless disregard to the truth of what actually happened,” according to the suit.

Patrick Thistle, the Los Angeles attorney representing Costello, Henson and Hoyt, called LaDucer’s counter suit “bizarre.”

“I have a hard time taking it seriously,” Thistle said. “I can assure you, he’ll get all the corroboration he needs at the right time. There were numerous witnesses, and a pattern of conduct, well documented, to support the claims made in these complaints.”

Sheriff Brad Gates fired LaDucer two weeks ago, saying the internal investigation showed he “clearly violated our department rules.”

In addition to the suits filed by Costello, Henson and Hoyt, a Sheriff’s Department clerk filed suit against LaDucer on Aug. 20, saying he raped her after luring her to his home under the pretense of discussing her career. LaDucer is also the subject of a criminal investigation, sources say.

The clerk is not a defendant in LaDucer’s counter suit. But Praet said he plans to contest her suit also. He said that the clerk alleges the rape occurred two years ago and that the statute of limitation for civil lawsuits is one year.

“Obviously, we’re denying the rape” as well, he said.

LaDucer’s lawsuit alleges his firing cost him at least $100,000 a year that he would have made until retirement, as well as a damaged reputation. It does not request a specific amount for damages, which Praet said the jury will decide.