An opponent placed one of his political signs on private property in the shopping center where I have my small business. As a condition of my lease I am required to remove any signs that are not specifically allowed by the property manager or owner. This person waited in hiding with a camera to photograph me as I removed the sign and then filed CRIMINAL charges for "theft of movable property" with the local police. However, within a day he had a flyer being circulated with pictures of the sign being removed and a caption that read "..and witnessed by a Berkeley Township officer" which was a complete fabrication, but gave the claim even more credence because of the police witnessing the "crime" comment. I have sued the individual for defamation of character, but his attorney says I can't prevail because I'm an elected official. Since when did elected officials lose their rights to sue for defamation simply because of their elected status, and should I continue in my efforts to right the wrong done to me and my family's reputation?
