Everett Mayor Settles Defamation Suit for $1.1 Million

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria has won a $1.1 million settlement against the Everett Leader Herald, which has been ordered to shut down as part of the agreement. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that the newspaper engaged in a prolonged campaign of defamation against DeMaria, fabricating stories and quotes that accused him of corruption, including kickbacks and extortion. DeMaria described the campaign as a deliberate effort to destroy his reputation for the financial gain of the newspaper's owner and publisher. The paper's publisher, Joshua Resnek, admitted to fabricating information and coordinating with DeMaria's political enemies to publish false articles. DeMaria expressed that while the settlement vindicates him, it cannot repair the emotional and reputational damage incurred by him and his family. The Everett Leader Herald will cease operations following the settlement, which prevents a scheduled trial from proceeding.