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Nov. 21, 2025

Former L.A. sheriff's defamation case tossed under anti-SLAPP law

L.A. County won dismissal of Alex Villanueva's defamation claims after a judge ruled the action arose entirely from protected activity and lacked evidence of actual malice.

Former L.A. sheriff's defamation case tossed under anti-SLAPP law
Gary D. Roberts

Superior Court Judge Gary D. Roberts struck former Sheriff Alex Villanueva's defamation lawsuit against Los Angeles County on Nov. 19, finding the suit lacked even "minimal merit" and granting the county's anti-SLAPP motion.

The ruling is Villanueva's second courtroom defeat. He initially sought $25 million in damages over a "Do Not Rehire" notation added to his personnel file after a 2022 discrimination investigation.

The county was repres...

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