Defamation lawsuit accuses man's former co-workers of spreading false rumors

NEW ORLEANS – A former employee of the American Automobile Association is suing multiple men he used to work with, claiming they have started false rumors about him including accusing the plaintiff of criminal activity, damaging his reputation and current business.

Mark Tubre Sr. filed suit against the Automobile Club of Missouri, Steven Wicker, Thomas Smith, David Seymour, Kevin Weaver and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Jan. 3.

The plaintiff claims he was formerly employed as a site manager with the defendant Automobile Club of Missouri at a local New Orleans office until Dec. 26, 2012, when his employment was terminated after an on-the-job injury. For the past three years, Tubre has been self-employed, doing business as “Hollywood Picture Cars,” buying and selling used cars for use in “Hollywood South Movies” filmed in the New Orleans area.

On Jan. 7, 2013, the plaintiff asserts he received the first of many cryptic calls from friends and business associates, inquiring as to whether he had ever been jailed or arrested. After investigation, it was discovered that the defendants were making statements that the plaintiff was a criminal, thief, drug smuggler, in legal trouble, under investigation for felony drug charges, selling stolen cars and anyone involved with Tubre could be arrested as an accomplice.

Tubre accuses the defendants of making malicious statements, defamation and recklessness and purposeful dissemination of false information in an attempt to cause him harm.

The plaintiff is seeking unspecified damages for economic loss, lost business prospects, emotional trauma and humiliation, loss of earning potential and harm to his personal and professional reputation.

The plaintiff is represented by Adam S. Lambert of New Orleans of Covington.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Ethel S. Julien.

Case no. 2014-00063.