Breaking News: County mayor sued for defamation

By Mark Boxley
of The Daily Times Staff

Blount County Mayor Jerry Cunningham was sued in Knox County Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon for alleged defamation stemming from a speech he gave at the Blount County Library on Nov. 27, 2007.

The speech was given during a rally for Blount County Circuit Judge W. Dale Young in front of more than 100 people.

The plaintiff in the suit, Kathy H. Wright, Knoxville, is seeking $200,000 in damages from Cunningham for statements she claims were defamatory.

Cunningham was sued in his individual capacity, and not as Blount County mayor.

We’ll have more details as they become available or in Friday’s edition of The Daily Times.