Thomas v. Sumner

FOX, Justice.

[¶ 1] Capt. Chad Thomas filed a defamation per se claim against his son's mother, Julie Sumner, and counselor, Nicole Rosen-berger, alleging that they made defamatory statements in relation to a report and ensuing investigation of suspected child abuse. The district court granted both the mother and counselor summary judgment. Capt. Thomas appeals, alleging the counselor did not act in good faith under the child abuse reporting statute and thus is not entitled to immunity from civil liability. He also alleges that the mother acted in bad faith in the course of the abuse…