Spokane Man Sues Krem-TV For Libel

A Spokane County man is suing KREM-TV and one of its reporters for slander, defamation, libel and negligence.

Robert W. Kober claims in a lawsuit filed in Superior Court this week that KREM reporter Jeff Humphrey injured Kober’s reputation in a recent story about murder suspect Tom DiBartolo.

Kober, business manager at George Gee Pontiac in the Valley, said the story inaccurately reported that he was going to give DiBartolo a job at the dealership. The story has caused George Gee Pontiac to lose business, Kober claims.

DiBartolo, 42, is the sheriff’s deputy accused of killing his wife, Patty, in a South Hill park last November.

“A number of individuals have personally contacted Mr. Kober and informed him that they have no intention of dealing with him in the future because of his association with Thomas DiBartolo,” according to the lawsuit.

KREM News Director Ron Cummings said Thursday the station stands by its report. “Our story was accurate,” said Cummings, who is also named as a defendant.

The story originated from an affidavit Kober filed in support of a request by DiBartolo to be released on bail.

“As a member of the business community, I have numerous contacts available and plan to assist Mr. DiBartolo in finding employment should he be released from jail,” Kober says in the affidavit. “There are several positions available and given the chance to interview, I am confident that he will be hired.”

DiBartolo was released from jail on bond last week. It couldn’t be determined Thursday if the suspended deputy has found work.

, DataTimes