abc123thatsme
New Member
Disgruntled ex-client of mine has a history of threats and unreasonable behavior as well as law-enforcement run-ins. Harrasses my current clients with emails, but is fairly careful about what she says, meaning doesn't leave good evidence for defamation.
Recently, she created a fake email account, fake name, and wrote an email to a client of ours saying lots of clearly libelous things. The client recognized the BS and forwarded it to us. Fortunately the email also creates a fake story, very well satisfying the requirement that things be said, "that the perpetrator knows to be false". We then demanded the IP address from the email domain host. Voila! The fake email was created and used from her current known address.
Question: Now that I have good hard evidence, how best to proceed? I don't mind spending money if it gets the harassment to stop, but I know defamation lawsuits aren't cheap or easy in California. Is it a crime to create a fake persona for the purpose of defaming someone? Should I see if the DA will pursue this? Likely the DA already knows her (I've heard I'm not the only harassment target) and might be excited to take some action to reduce the nuisance.
Clearly, I do feel bad for her, and therapy is what she really needs, but a close 2nd would be just getting her to cease harassing me and my clients.
Any help or advice (and any questions) much appreciated. Thanks!
Recently, she created a fake email account, fake name, and wrote an email to a client of ours saying lots of clearly libelous things. The client recognized the BS and forwarded it to us. Fortunately the email also creates a fake story, very well satisfying the requirement that things be said, "that the perpetrator knows to be false". We then demanded the IP address from the email domain host. Voila! The fake email was created and used from her current known address.
Question: Now that I have good hard evidence, how best to proceed? I don't mind spending money if it gets the harassment to stop, but I know defamation lawsuits aren't cheap or easy in California. Is it a crime to create a fake persona for the purpose of defaming someone? Should I see if the DA will pursue this? Likely the DA already knows her (I've heard I'm not the only harassment target) and might be excited to take some action to reduce the nuisance.
Clearly, I do feel bad for her, and therapy is what she really needs, but a close 2nd would be just getting her to cease harassing me and my clients.
Any help or advice (and any questions) much appreciated. Thanks!