Mountain Grove City Settles Suits With Local Businessman

(Mountain Grove, MO) — Mountain Grove businessman, Kevin Dietz, has settled an ongoing lawsuit against Mountain Grove City Councilman, Mike Stearnes, and a claim against the City of Mountain Grove as well. Dietz’s lawsuit arose from a lawsuit filed by the City of Mountain Grove against Dietz in 2014, alleging he defamed the city and it’s officials by criticizing their actions. That lawsuit was dismissed by the Court and the City of Mountain Grove. Subsequently, city councilman Mike Stearnes, repeatedly tried to file a restraining order against Mr. Dietz. Those restraining orders were dismissed by the Court as well. It was determined during litigation that Dietz had been an outspoken critic of the city government and no proof existed that Dietz had made any malicious statements about Stearnes or any city officials. In response to the repeated lawsuits against Dietz by the City of Mountain Grove, mayor, city administrator and various council members, Dietz filed a lawsuit for malicious prosecution, citing a lack of proof of any of the city officials claims. Dietz settled all claims against the city and city officials and received $25-thousand-dollars. Dietz was represented by Steven Privette, at the Law Office of Stven Privette in Willow Springs, Privette is also the city attorney for the City of Willow Springs.