Casey Anthony Sued for Defamation by Roy Kronk
Casey Anthony is being sued by meter reader Roy Kronk for defamation. Kronk discovered 2-year-old Caylee Anthony's remains in the woods near Casey Anthony's home in 2008.
He reported his findings to the police.
But he later found himself a crucial part of Anthony's defense: he was accused of killing Caylee. He was also accused of putting the body where it was found, reports the Orlando Sentinel. The defense also said he was "morally bankrupt," and that he "took the body and hid it."
Kronk says he was humiliated. He also claims that his reputation was harmed by statements that were authorized by Anthony. He wants damages of more than $15,000.
One of Kronk's arguments is that if Anthony's defense story is true, she knew the statements aimed at Kronk were false. Anthony's defense asserted that Caylee drowned in the family swimming pool in 2008. If that's the case, then Kronk couldn't be blamed for her death.
Kronk also says that Anthony, through her attorneys, refused to retract the disparaging comments.
The success of Kronk's suit rests on what statements he's suing over. Relevant statements made in a judicial proceeding are usually considered absolutely privileged. This means they should be shielded from defamation suits.
However, the privilege typically doesn't extend to statements made outside the courtroom. Attorneys and defendants that discuss the case with the media may accidentally run afoul of defamation law. They may find themselves on the other end of a civil lawsuit.
So if Kronk argues that statements made during the trial were defamatory, he will likely lose. If he argues that statements made outside of the trial harmed his reputation, it's possible that he could prevail.
This isn't the first time that Casey Anthony has been sued. Roy Kronk's lawsuit is joining the bevy of legal actions lodged against the Florida woman. Anthony is currently serving probation for check fraud, WESH-TV reports. Her current whereabouts have not been disclosed to the public.
Related Resources:
- Roy Kronk Suing Casey Anthony For Defamation (WESH-TV)
- Defenses to Libel and Slander (FindLaw)
- Judge: Casey Anthony to Pay State $97K (FindLaw Blotter)
- Casey Anthony's Probation Location Kept Secret (FindLaw Blotter)