Eddington v. Torrez

In this defamation per se case, plaintiff appeals by right the trial court’s grant of summary disposition in favor of defendants pursuant to MCR 2.116(C)(8). Plaintiff alleged that defendant Raymond Torrez was an agent of defendant Admiral Petroleum Company and falsely reported to the police that plaintiff had stolen gasoline from a gasoline station on four occasions. Plaintiff alleges that the reports were made with knowledge that they were untrue or with reckless disregard for the truth. No factual development took place; the trial court concluded that the statements were subject to an…