Mt. Lebanon Lacrosse Association hit with defamation suit UPDATED 3X

Mt. Lebanon Lacrosse Association hit with defamation suit

"A former Mt. Lebanon couple is seeking at least $35,000 in damages in a suit filed against the Mt. Lebanon Lacrosse Association, alleging board members spread false rumors about them and their children concerning drug use and stealing money from the organization, forcing them to move to Colorado. William and Katherine Bedortha say in the suit filed in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court that board members Kate Murdoch, Brian Prettyman, Jeffrey Iovino and other unnamed defendants defamed them by spreading false rumors through text messages and gossip around the Mt. Lebanon pool and other public spaces."

The couple, who lived in Mt. Lebanon from 2007-2014, were active members of the lacrosse community, where they coached and engaged as members of the lacrosse association’s board. The political environment of youth sports might have brought forth the rumors, according to the couple’s attorney, Bill Labovitz.

“We understand there’s a political nature to these types of boards and organizations, but the actions by association’s board members have gone too far and they must be held accountable,” Labovitz said. The suit goes on to say board members conspired a plan at a June 23, 2014, meeting to ouster the Bedorthas from their positions in Mt. Lebanon lacrosse.

Read more: http://www.thealmanac.net/article/20150622/NEWS/150629995

Update June 24, 2015 8:42 AM

Bedortha v Mt. Lebanon Lacrosse Amended Complaint

Bedortha v Mt. Lebanon Lacrosse Preliminary Objection     

Update June 26, 2015 12:47 PM The original complaint was filed on February 17, 2015. It appears that the sheriff was looking for Steve Gurtner. See comment under 02/24/15.

                                     
Update June 26, 2015 10:07 PM Doing a search for some of these names, I came across a September 15, 2014 post of mine, Field Sports are Getting Ugly Here in Lebo. Wow. I think the plaintiff's attorney was connected with Mt. Lebanon Soccer. Turns out he is a Lebo Citizens reader.
Recede and Reseed