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Town attorney warns of defamation suits after anonymous accusations
Summary
Max, Lantana's town attorney, called anonymous letter writers "cowards," described the allegations as defamatory, and said he would pursue legal remedies if authors are identified. Council members defended the town's transparency and internal controls.
Max, the town attorney for Lantana, responded sharply to anonymous letters circulated to state offices and the town, calling the allegations defamatory and warning the anonymous authors could face litigation. "If I find out who sent this letter... you are going to find out what that feels like," Max said, adding he would "spend every penny I have" to pursue legal claims for defamation and punitive damages if warranted.
Council members and the town manager framed the letters as unverified and said due process should guide any further action. The Mayor said transparency, integrity and service guide the town's work and urged that whistleblowers provide contactable evidence through proper channels. "Public discourse is most productive when it is grounded in facts, transparency, and accountability," the Mayor said. Officials stopped short of initiating any formal legal action at the workshop; Max outlined options and said pursuit of litigation would be a council-level decision when and if staff recommended it.
