(Knox, IN) - Another defamation of character lawsuit involving local political figures has been filed.

La Porte County Prosecutor John Lake is suing former Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer. Damages are being sought for allegations Meer made while seeking reelection two years ago.

Meer’s stepson was arrested during a traffic stop on drug and gun-related charges. Meer repeatedly alleged the arrest was designed to cost him reelection. Instead, he wound up losing by less than 100 votes to Republican Duane Parry.

The legal action was filed in Starke County to avoid a conflict of interest since Lake is the prosecutor in La Porte County.

This is the second defamation suit happening with LaPorte County elected officials as LaPorte County Commission Attorney Shaw Friedman has an active lawsuit against LaPorte County Auditor Tim Stabosz based on statements and accusations Stabosz made about Friedman.