SCRANTON — A landscaping company is suing Michael Ford III, who does business as All American Rooter, citing alleged defamation.
George Dunbar Jr. and Dunbar's Evergreen Landscaping Inc. filed a complaint June 11 in the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, alleging that All American Rooter published false statements about the plaintiffs on Craigslist.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allegedly sent the defendant a $400 check on May 4, 2017 for services rendered. Dunbar said the defendants accepted and cashed the check after withdrawing from a contract for pipe cleaning/thawing services.
Despite receiving payment, Dunbar alleges that the defendant has begun orchestrating a prolonged campaign to harm the plaintiffs by publishing false statements at Craigslist claiming that Dunbar "doesn't pay his bills" and is "a bug shot actor scum bag."
As a result, the plaintiffs said their reputation and standing in the community has been damaged, and Dunbar was allegedly subjected to personal humiliation and mental anguish.
The plaintiffs said they hold the defendant responsible because it allegedly orchestrated a prolonged campaign designed to harass, intimidate, threaten, defame, malign and harm Dunbar and his company.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek a judgment for compensatory damages in an amount in excess of $50,000 and punitive damages in excess of $50,000, along with interest, costs of prosecution and whatever other relief the court deems just and appropriate. They are represented by Michael Gallacher of Dempsey & Gallacher in Clarks Green, Pennsylvania.
Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas case number 18-CV-3114