Gawel v. Chicago American Publishing Co.

Plaintiff filed a lawsuit seeking damages from defendant because of a news article it published allegedly defaming him. Defendant’s motion for summary judgment was granted and plaintiff appeals from that judgment.

Defendant published a news article wherein it recited that Chester Gawel entered the County Jail after failing to post a $1,000.00 bond on grand theft charges. At the jail roll call it was noticed the person identifying himself as Chester Gawel was missing. He was later found in another tier. Upon being discovered, “Gawel” told the warden that he entered the wrong line at roll call…