VA doctor files libel lawsuit against Times

The former chief of medicine says allegations in the articles were false. The paper's attorney says the suit has no merit.

By Times Staff Writer
Published April 6, 2006

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The former chief of medicine at Bay Pines VA Medical Center has filed a lawsuit contending that articles published in December 2003 in the St. Petersburg Times were libelous, portrayed him in a false light and invaded his privacy.

Dr. Harold L. Kennedy filed the suit in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Times Publishing Co. and Times reporter Paul de la Garza, who wrote the articles.

The Times published an article on Dec. 4, 2003, that stated Kennedy was removed as chief of medicine and reassigned to the cardiology department amid allegations of misusing money and sexual harassment. Two subsequent articles repeated the allegations, according to the lawsuit.

Kennedy states in the lawsuit that the allegations were false and that the Times knew they were false or acted with reckless disregard as to whether the statement were true or false.

Kennedy seeks an undisclosed amount of money.

"Mr. Kennedy's lawsuit is completely lacking in any merit, and we are going to move to have it dismissed," said Times attorney Alison Steele.

The lawsuit was filed in December, but the Times was not served with it until Wednesday.