Sachay v. Coconate [1]

James Sachay, former assistant commissioner of the Chicago’s aviation department, sued Frank Coconate and the Chicago Reader [2] for defamation and false light after the Chicago Reader's Clout City [3] blog published a comment that purported to be written by "Sachay."  According to the complaint, the comment said:

 I am voting for Frank Coconate. I am sorry I challenged his petitions under false pretenses. I am sorry I stole money from Roman Pucinski. I am sorry I got illegal contracts for my son and acted criminally at O'Hare.

Sachay alleges that the comment is false and defamatory and that Frank Coconate, a political rival, posted it.

The Chicago Reader moved to dismiss the complaint, arguing that section 230 of the Communications Decency Act [4] immunized it for publishing the statement of a third party.  In June 2008, Sachay voluntarily dismissed the complaint against the Chicago Reader. The lawsuit against Coconate remains pending.