Facts

Defendant Raymond Pryke, publisher of Hesperia Resorter, Adelanto Bulletin, Apple Valley News, and Valley Wide Newspaper, published articles in his newspaper, which asserted that Nancy K. Bohl and The Counseling Team had leaked confidential communications to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department and that Nancy K. Bohl and The Counseling Team had obtained contracts with the County.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that the articles were false; that the defendant published the articles without properly investigating; and that the articles caused damages.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant claimed that the writer, not the publisher, was at fault. The defense also claimed that plaintiff suffered no damages. Defendant further contended that plaintiff was a limited public figure.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff made a CCP 998 demand of $75,000. At the mandatory settlement conference, plaintiff demanded $750,000. Defendant made no offer.

Damages

$388,000 for lost profits

Result

Plaintiff's verdict for $332,500. Jurors awarded Bohl $82,500 for lost earnings caused by the articles and $250,000 for emotional distress damages to her reputation.

Deliberation

3.5 days

Poll

12-0, 11-1

Length

six weeks