Former Butler County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton testified this morning that a rumor allegedly spread by former Commissioner Jim Eckstein harmed his life.

Pinkerton is alleging Eckstein was responsible for spreading a rumor that Pinkerton gave county human resources director Lori Altman an extra 20 percent pay hike in 2011 in exchange for being let off the hook for a drunken driving pullover.

Altman's husband, Scott Altman, is a state police trooper. Pinkerton and the Altmans are suing Eckstein in separate lawsuits being tried simultaneously in court.

Pinkerton said he never would attempt to cover up a DUI stop.

His wife, Millie Pinkerton, also testified, saying her husband's health significantly worsened due to stress caused by the rumor.

She said they felt an impact in social circles when people always lowered their voices when they would enter rooms.