Commissioner Barnett to be awarded $100,000 in Libel Suit against Riccio
Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett will receive $100,000 from online publisher John Oliver Riccio after a court judgement.
The Daily Courier reports the Josephine County judge signed the ruling for the payment plus 9% interest for each year the debt isn't paid.
The ruling also awards attorney fees and costs to Barnett and dismisses the libel, false publication, and tortious interference case he filed against Riccio.
According to a written complaint from Barnett and his lawyer, they say Riccio uses his news site "to smear political candidates that he does not like. Riccio is targeting Barnett with a stream of lies that he makes up and publishes on his website."
Barnett said the lawsuit hasn't been about the money, but defending his reputation. In the Courier's attempt to contact Riccio about the judge's final decision in the case, he said, "No comment."
Posted on 9/24/25 6:21AM by Alex Bauer
