Bland Richter, LLP has filed a federal lawsuit in the District of South Carolina on behalf of Ian Kilmartin, son of South Carolina State Representative Jay Kilmartin, and owner of a Midlands-based carpet cleaning business. The lawsuit claims there has been a coordinated social media defamation campaign that has targeted Mr. Kilmartin, his family, and his business.
The complaint details how Mr. Kilmartin, during his 2018 U.S. Coast Guard basic training in Cape May, New Jersey, briefly assisted a fellow recruit with ironing a shirt - an interaction that lasted less than fifteen minutes. Following his subsequent discharge, the recruit "made false allegations against multiple service members, including Mr. Kilmartin."
An investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard exonerated Mr. Kilmartin and all other accused individuals. Training Officer Commander Scott Rae personally confirmed to Mr. Kilmartin that no charges would be filed – and none were.
The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including Brian Lee Rozek and an organization operating under the name "The Pettiest Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard," which claims to be a watchdog group. Details of the harassment allegations from "The Pettiest Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard," include:
- Posting false allegations about Ian's involvement in sexual misconduct and rape
- Targeting Ian's business for others to harass
- Contacting his family and church with these allega4tions
The legal action seeks both monetary damages and injunctive relief to immediately halt the ongoing campaign and remove all false statements from social media platforms.
"This case exemplifies how social media can be weaponized to destroy reputations based on allegations that were thoroughly investigated and dismissed years ago," said Ronnie Richter, founding partner and lead counsel for the plaintiff. "Mr. Kilmartin was cleared by the Coast Guard's investigation, served his country, and has now established a small business in South Carolina. The defendants' coordinated campaign to defame him, target his family, and even contact his church community with these false accusations must be addressed through legal action. We cannot allow social media to be used as a weapon to destroy lives."
Eric Bland, founding partner of Bland Richter, added, "The targeting of a public servant's family member with false accusations is outrageous. Our firm has consistently stood up against bully behavior, and we will continue to fight for those who have been wrongfully accused."
To follow details on the case, visit www.BlandRichter.com.
