Politics & Government

Peck Sues Democratic Chairman Over Patch Comments

The libel suit was filed Oct. 25 in Cook County.

Village of Plainfield trustee Garrett Peck is suing a local Democratic party chairman over anonymous online comments, saying they cost him his state Senate bid last fall.

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  • In a filing made last winter, Peck sought the names of several commenters on Patch and Topix, an online discussion board. He alleged the commenters made false and defamatory statements accusing him of, among other things, beating his wife, having an affair, bribing police and using his position as a Plainfield trustee to win lucrative contracts for his company. 

    However, the lawsuit filed this month in Cook County Circuit Court names only one defendant — Plainfield Township Democratic Chairman Mike Keniley. The suit alleges Keniley made defamatory comments using the name "Eyes on Plainfield."

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    The suit accuses Keniley of claiming that Peck used his clout to snag a District 202 contract for his company, Magik Tech. According to the lawsuit, Peck’s company’s relationship with District 202 began before he was elected to the village board. 

    In January 2013, Peck filed a petition seeking the identities of commenters he called “anonymous cyberbullies" from Patch and Topix. After obtaining user information from Patch, Peck filed the lawsuit against Keniley Oct. 25 in Cook County Circuit Court.

    Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

    In addition to “Eyes on Plainfield,” Peck also asked Patch and Topix for account information for commenters “Tim” and “Ron.” Topix was also asked for the identity of “Fiscal Republicans,” who reportedly accused Peck of having an extramarital affair.

    The January 2013 filing named Patch, Topix and “John Doe” as defendants, and claimed the comments derailed his campaign against opponent Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Joliet). The petition went on to say Peck loaned his own campaign about $80,000, and that the annual salary of a state senator is $70,000 plus benefits.

    Peck, a Republican who is also the executive director of the Plainfield Park District, is seeking damages of $30,001 plus $567 in court fees, according to court documents.

    Prior to filing his suit against Keniley, Peck filed a similar libel/slander suit on Sept. 24 naming “John Doe” as a defendant, according to court records. 

    Peck declined to comment on the suit Monday, saying he will make a statement once the court case is resolved. Keniley also declined to comment.

     


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