News

November 5, 2009

Fire chief admits claim of death threat

John Yuknavich faces a lawsuit that claims he defamed a resident.

By Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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Wilkes-Barre Township Fire Chief John Yuknavich admits in court papers that he said a township resident threatened to kill him.

The statement was made at a township council meeting on June 1 and therefore, Yuknavich believes, should be considered his opinion.

Yuknavich filed a response in Luzerne County Court on Tuesday to a lawsuit filed by Joseph Naperkowski in which Naperkowski accused the fire chief of defaming him at the council meeting.

According to Naperkowski’s lawsuit filed on Sept. 24, he alleges Yuknavich at a Wilkes-Barre Township council meeting made defamatory remarks about him in front of council members and those in attendance.

Yuknavich stated at the meeting that Naperkowski said to him, “I’ll kill you; I’ll kill your mother; I’ll kill your family and I’ll even kill the mayor if he don’t straighten you out,” according to the lawsuit filed by Naperkowski’s attorney, Charles A. Shaffer.

Naperkowski claimed the statements made by Yuknavich were “false and defamatory and were heard and understood by everyone present at the meeting.” He alleged he never threatened Yuknavich, his family or the mayor, claiming Yuknavich knew his statements were untrue.

Naperkowski is seeking $50,000 and interest and cost, claiming his reputation has been disgraced.

Responding to Naperkowski’s lawsuit, Yuknavich alleges the defamation claim should be barred because the statement was made at a public meeting.

Yuknavich further feels he is immune from the lawsuit in his capacity as fire chief.

Edward Lewis, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7196.

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