The former treasurer for the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts is suing former board member Reggie Malone for defamation over comments he made about bookkeeping, and she's seeking $850,000 in damages.
The lawsuit filed by Mary Susan Martin, who was a member of the public charter school's board of directors until August, cites public comments Malone made about the school's finances.
He criticized the school's methods in the days leading up to his possible ouster from the board. He instead resigned but said in his resignation letter that the "lack of attention to proper bookkeeping, following the rules of procedure, and showing a reckless disregard of its duties has [brought] me to separate myself from being charged with nonfeasance, misfeasance and malfeasance."
Martin, a certified public accountant who works as a financial analyst with the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank, claims that the criticism imputes her involvement.
She alleges that Malone's statements were made out of anger and "a desire to seek revenge" against Martin after she refused to once write him a blank check.
Malone said Friday that he had not seen the suit but that he stands by his comments and looks forward to his day in court. "I will have no problem backing up my allegations," he said.
Malone, a former Richmond School Board member, joined the board in the spring. He said he intended to help the board transition from being involved in the day-to-day operation of the school to a policy-setting oversight board.
Martin is requesting a jury trial.
omeola@timesdispatch.com
(804) 649-6812
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement