A resident of Palm Beach County has launched a defamation lawsuit against her homeowners association and several board members, alleging a campaign of falsehoods that have severely damaged her reputation. Maureen Stafford filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on July 12, 2024, targeting the Lakeridge Falls Homeowners Association and its board members.
Stafford's lawsuit claims that the association and its board members engaged in a deliberate smear campaign against her, spreading false allegations to other homeowners within the community. According to the complaint, these defamatory statements included accusations of theft, lying, and illegal decision-making during her tenure on the board from 2015 to 2022. The lawsuit highlights specific instances where these falsehoods were allegedly disseminated. For example, in October 2022, board member Robert Bonomolo reportedly told another homeowner that Stafford "needs to move out of the community" and warned others against supporting her. Similarly, Dominic Bienz is accused of telling residents that Stafford was responsible for financial losses related to a sod project and had engaged in illegal activities.
The complaint details numerous occasions where defamatory statements were made publicly at open board meetings or social gatherings. On November 6, 2022, during a party hosted by Terry Natalie, Bonomolo allegedly claimed that Stafford lied and withheld information from the board. The most damaging incident occurred on September 27, 2023, when Frank Martins presented a slide show at an open meeting falsely accusing Stafford of mismanaging association affairs and making unauthorized decisions.
Stafford asserts that these actions have led to severe emotional distress and damage to her reputation within the community. She alleges that as a result of these defamatory statements, other homeowners have ostracized her and labeled her a criminal. The complaint also mentions an instance where Stafford received a retaliatory cease-and-desist letter from the association's attorney after submitting an official records request.
In terms of legal relief, Stafford seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She also requests punitive damages under Florida Statute §768.79 for what she describes as malicious actions by the defendants aimed at destroying her reputation.
The case is being handled by Shaun M. Zaciewski from the Law Offices of Shaun M. Zaciewski P.A., while it will be presided over by judges from the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Palm Beach County under Case ID: 502024CA006532XXXAMB Div: AD.