In the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, Gerald Cugno has filed a lawsuit against Jim Millican and Lealman Fire District. The case, bearing number 24-001525-CI, was filed on April 5, 2024. The plaintiff accuses the defendants of slander, injurious falsehood, tortious interference with advantageous business relationship and contractual right.
Gerald Cugno is a business owner who operates Essential Massage, a reputable spa and massage business. In June 2022, defendant James A. Millican, an appointed board member of the Pinellas County Licensing Board and Division Chief/Fire Marshal with the Lealman Fire District allegedly instructed contractors to cease work on a commercial lease space for Essential's Massage due to supposedly no permits being issued.
The plaintiff alleges that Millican continued to insist that no permit existed for the commercial space despite Cugno's assurance that he possessed a lawfully issued permit. This resulted in significant business damages as it prevented the spa from opening.
Cugno is seeking damages in the amount of $1.5 million along with reasonable attorney fees and costs. He claims that Millican's actions constituted intimidation, tortious interference, defamation, and slander.