Landmark Victory: Defending Reputations Against Defamatory Billboards in Dutchess County

Cuddy & Feder, led by Special Counsel Michael Caruso, achieved a significant victory on May 31, 2024, when a jury returned a verdict in favor of our attorney clients after a weeklong trial, finding that the defendant had engaged in defamation. For several years, the defendant had displayed oversized billboards mounted to his trucks with photographs of our clients, accompanied by large, bold statements attacking their personal and professional reputations, alleging a lack of trustworthiness, poor moral character, and aiming to induce immediate negative opinions of them. These billboards were prominently displayed in highly frequented public places throughout Dutchess County, including major intersections, grocery stores, recreational facilities, and nearby courts. This verdict represents a significant victory for the victims of the defendant's bullying, which he unsuccessfully attempted to mask as protected speech under the First Amendment.