A defamation lawsuit filed by Joseph Sinagra, the former chief of the Saugerties Police Department, has been dismissed. Sinagra sought over $2 million in damages, alleging that comments made by Town Supervisor Fred Costello and council members Mike Ivino and Zach Horton caused him emotional distress. However, the Ulster County Supreme Court ruled on Monday (March 31) that the statements were opinions, not facts, and thus not actionable in a defamation case.

Judge Sharon Graff's decision highlighted that the statements attributed to the town officials were expressions of opinion. For instance, Costello's remark about the controversy affecting the police department's functioning and Ivino's comments on ineffective policies were deemed non-defamatory. Horton expressed relief at the ruling, stating, "We were confident in the statements that were made that we never believed them to be defamatory nor intended them to be."

The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, claimed that the officials' statements had tarnished Sinagra's reputation, leading to a loss of employment opportunities, including a position with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Council. Sinagra's attorney, Stephen G. DeNigris, stated that he would review the court's decision and consider further action.

The case stemmed from comments related to Sinagra's handling of allegations against former officer Dion A. Johnson Jr., who pleaded guilty to several charges, including harassment, while serving as a Saugerties police officer. The court's decision to dismiss the lawsuit may face further scrutiny as Sinagra and his legal team evaluate their next steps.

For those affected by similar situations, understanding the distinction between opinion and factual statements is crucial in defamation cases.

Chad Tyson