Buchanan County Circuit Court Grants Summary Judgment in Defamation/Emotional Distress Suit
08/27/2025On August 19, 2025, the Circuit Court of Buchanan County, Missouri, granted summary judgment in favor of the firm’s pool manager client on a defamation/intentional infliction of emotional distress case against managers and supervisors of community pool in Savannah, Missouri. Plaintiff, a former manager at pool, asserted the defendant pool manager, as well as two other defendants, conspired to get plaintiff fired and defame him when a minor lifeguard had reported plaintiff made her feel uncomfortable at work. A formal investigation by the local pool/city board and hearing took place that ultimately determined the report was unsubstantiated. Plaintiff then sued the defendant pool manager and supervisors for defamation, emotional distress, and conspiracy.
Frank Schultz and Mullen partner Christopher Brackman briefed and argued the summary judgment motion on behalf of defendant pool manager, arguing official immunity and that the malice exception did not apply since the pool manager was a teacher/mandatory reporter and the complaint involved a minor lifeguard making complaints against an adult manager. After oral arguments, the Judge granted summary judgment on behalf of the pool manager client.