A prominent legal non-profit organization is embroiled in a contentious lawsuit against a former investigator and her company, alleging defamation and other serious misconduct. On August 28, 2024, Trial Defenders United, Inc., along with attorneys Maria Castagliuolo and Jennifer Strouf, filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Megan Novak and her firm Rise Investigations, LLC.
The plaintiffs claim that Novak engaged in unauthorized practice of law and made defamatory statements that jeopardized their professional reputations and client relationships. According to the complaint, both Castagliuolo and Strouf have long-standing careers in criminal defense without any history of sanctions or ethics violations. They founded Trial Defenders United to provide high-quality legal representation for indigent individuals. However, their trust in Novak as an investigator allegedly led to severe professional repercussions.
The lawsuit details multiple instances where Novak mishandled sensitive information related to clients' cases. Specific allegations include unilateral decisions on serving alibi witnesses, unauthorized disclosure of privileged materials, and making damaging statements about the plaintiffs' qualifications and ethics. One significant incident involved a client identified as LG who was approaching sentencing for attempted murder and awaiting trial for murder. Novak's actions led LG to file a motion to withdraw from the plaintiffs' representation based on misinformation provided by Novak.
On May 2, 2024, Novak sent a resignation email filled with false claims about the plaintiffs' work on various cases. This email was followed by additional emails that were equally disruptive and defamatory. The complaint also alleges that Novak continued her unauthorized activities even after being terminated by meeting with incarcerated clients under false pretenses.
The plaintiffs are seeking multiple forms of relief from the court: damages for defamation, tortious interference with business relationships, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion of confidential documents, declaratory judgment regarding the defendants' misconduct, and a mandatory injunction to prevent further harm.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys John A. Anthony and Stephenie Biernacki Anthony from Anthony & Partners LLC. The Case Number is 24-003880-CI.