DeLong v. Yu Enterprises, Inc.

At issue in this case is whether a citizen has an absolute privilege from liability in a defamation action for reporting to a police officer information suggesting that a crime has been committed. The trial court held that such reporting is subject to a qualified privilege only. We hold that an absolute privilege applies.

The relevant facts are not in dispute. Defendant is part owner of a corporation that operates motels in Springfield. Plaintiff worked as a manager in one of those motels. Plaintiff and defendant became embroiled in a dispute, the details of which are not pertinent. Defendant…