Eckstein's lawsuit has first court hearing
The first court hearing for former Butler County Commissioner Jim Eckstein's lawsuit against the county to recoup legal expenses from a defamation case was held this morning in county court.
Judge John C. Reed, a retired Mercer County judge, heard argument from county solicitor Mike English to dismiss the case based on the situation not meeting the criteria for the county being liable for Eckstein's legal expenses.
Attorney Larry Rodgers, who is representing Eckstein, argued the opposite, saying his client was acting in his scope as an elected official when making any comments discussed in the defamation case.
Reed said he would rule on the preliminary objections filed by English as soon as possible.
Eckstein is suing the county to be reimbursed $144,788 he incurred defending himself against two defamation lawsuits filed in 2012.
The three current commissioners — Leslie Osche, Kim Geyer and Kevin Boozel — also are named as defendants.
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