A hearing was held Thursday for a lawsuit filed by former Beaumont Independent School District Employee Jessie Haynes and Electrician Calvin Walker. Both claim they are the victims of a media conspiracy of defamation, libel and slander.
Calvin Walker appeared at the federal court hearing, but Jessie Haynes was absent.
Walker and Haynes are seeking $22 Million in damages.
During the Thursday hearing, the defendants presented arguments as to why the suit should be dismissed. Arguments include defense under the Texas Citizen's Protection Act, an individual's right to free speech and the right of assembly. The defendants also said the statue of limitations has passed because this all happened in 2012.
Among the 32 individuals cited in the lawsuit are Wayne Reaud, The Examiner, Reporter Jerry Jordan and Mike Getz. They were in court Thursday because they want the judge to dismiss claims against them citing the Texas Citizen's Protection Act. They claim protection of free speech, right of petition and right of assembly.
Calvin Walker and Haynes said the group conspired to ruin Walker's business and their reputation.
Walker maintains the media falsely accused him, and stipulates as evidence that he was never convicted. He said publications knew that he was not convicted and continued to make accusations against him.
The judge listened to both sides and said he would review the arguments and make a decision in a few days.
