In a dramatic legal confrontation, the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and its President, John Kazanjian, have filed a defamation lawsuit against the Fraternal Order of Police Jim Fogleman Lodge #50 and several of its members. The complaint was lodged in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on February 5, 2025. The plaintiffs accuse the defendants of launching a malicious campaign to tarnish their reputations through false and defamatory statements.
The plaintiffs in this case are John Kazanjian, along with the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association and the Florida Police Benevolent Association. They allege that following their endorsement of Ric Bradshaw for Sheriff during a contentious election against Michael Gauger, who was supported by the defendants, they became targets of a defamation campaign. According to the complaint, "Defendants have responded to Plaintiffs’ free speech by manufacturing a malicious defamation campaign against John, the Palm Beach PBA and the Florida PBA." The lawsuit claims that false accusations were made about Kazanjian embezzling funds from a charity he founded in honor of his late daughter and using his position for personal gain.
Kazanjian is described as a lifelong public servant with an impeccable reputation built over decades. He has served as President for both PBAs since 2006 and 2016 respectively. The complaint emphasizes his integrity and dedication to law enforcement officers' rights. It further highlights that these defamatory statements have severely damaged his reputation and that of both PBAs. As per the lawsuit, "The damage wrought by these false accusations...is immeasurable and impossible to repair."
The plaintiffs seek civil damages exceeding $50,000 for defamation per se—a category where harm is presumed due to the nature of allegations involving criminal conduct—and general defamation. They argue that statements made by FOP Lodge #50 members accused them falsely of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, among other serious charges. The lawsuit also points out that these defamatory communications were widely disseminated within law enforcement circles across Florida.
This legal battle not only involves accusations but also underscores an intense rivalry between two major police unions competing for influence within Florida's law enforcement community. While FOP Lodge #50 endorsed Gauger in his bid for Sheriff—an endorsement prominently displayed on their website—the PBAs supported incumbent Bradshaw who ultimately won re-election.
Representing Kazanjian and both PBAs are attorneys Courtney Caprio and Amanda Suarez from Caldera Law PLLC based in Miami. The Case ID is: 502025CA001048XXXAMB Div: AK.