Butler County Commissioner Jim Eckstein faces more legal woes.

County personnel director Lori Altman and her husband, state police Trooper Scott Altman, today sued Eckstein for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and putting them in a false light.

The civil complaint accuses Eckstein of spreading a rumor that Scott Altman covered up an alleged drunken driving violation involving fellow Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, leading to a 20 percent pay hike for Lori Altman.

Under a defamation lawsuit filed earlier this month by Pinkerton, Eckstein is accused of falsely accusing Pinkerton of being pulled over for a DUI.

Eckstein denies he slandered anyone.

The previous county salary board in December increased Lori Altman’s pay, citing her salary was too low factoring in her responsibilities.