Trial begins for former county commissioner accused of defamation
After four years of legal wrangling, the defamation case against former Butler County Commissioner Jim Eckstein began a trial this morning.
Eckstein is being sued by former county Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, who served on the same board.
Along with defamation, Pinkerton is alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress and being placed in a false light.
In a second lawsuit being tried simultaneously, two other plaintiffs — county human resources director Lori Altman and her husband, state Trooper Scott Altman — have filed the same three counts against Eckstein.
According to the lawsuits, Eckstein spread a rumor that Lori Altman received a 20 percent pay hike in 2011 in exchange for Pinkerton not being charged for a drunken driving pullover that never happened.
Pinkerton denies there was a DUI stop or a cover-up. The state attorney general's office and state police found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Jury selection occurred Monday and Tuesday. Along with the 12 jurors, there are four alternates who would be available to replace any juror who does not serve through to the end of the trial.
