Over the past few months there has been an orchestrated effort to spread defamatory and libelous information about the editor of the Port Townsend Free Press.
This information is absolutely and unequivocally false.
Some of this information was spread by Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Haas, who was defeated for reelection November 6. He posted the libelous material following a series of investigative reports by the Port Townsend Free Press about questionable activities during his tenure. Mr. Haas is not alone in this effort to defame and libel the news site’s editor.
We are currently in litigation with one party responsible for disseminating this false and defamatory information, and are engaged in tracking other sources through ISPs, social media profiles and other identifying information. Repeating a libel, under law, is no different than originating a libel, and we will vigorously pursue any and all such activity to the fullest extent of civil and criminal law.
We will not be cowed by these libelous attacks. Thank you to all our readers and volunteers. Our readership continues to grow. We look forward to bringing you more news and opinions about what is happening in our county. As always, we welcome submissions, regardless of viewpoint so long as they are well-written and thoroughly researched.
Jim Scarantino was the editor and founder of Port Townsend Free Press. He is happy in his new role as just a contributor writing on topics of concern to him. He spent the first 25 years of his professional life as a trial attorney, then launched an online investigative news website that broke several national stories. He is also the author of three crime novels. He resides in Jefferson County. See our “About” page for more information.
Port Townsend has an informal community “justice” system for eliminating anyone who displeases the rulers and their mob of useful idiots. False accusations, even totally absurd ones, are considered perfectly acceptable as long as the threat is removed. Perhaps ridiculous charges are a message that your laws mean nothing to them. I was in Port Townsend less than a month before a neighbor attempted to get me evicted by falsely accusing me of behavior so bizarre it would easily qualify for psychiatric intervention. I’m guessing I violated community standards by refusing to join her favorite social justice organization.
Thank you for writing clear and informative articles. We’ve needed another reporting voice for a long long time.
“we will vigorously pursue any and all such activity to the fullest extent of civil and criminal law…” Very pleased to read you are fighting back using the rule of law, as it is a two way street, rarely traveled in this community. Most excellent!