Rockford Sun

We previously published numerous articles referencing Owen Costanza, the former President of the Village of Poplar Grove, Illinois.

Since he lost the last election, he sued several people for defamation and other things and lost in court after admitting everything they said about him was true or substantially and objectively true.

Then, several months ago, he appealed his loss to the appellate court wanting to reverse the circuit court’s dismissal, this time claiming the true statements were inadmissible because they were in reference to old instances and shouldn’t have been used against him in court or in advertisements during the election, but they are still true statements.

Funny facts on Costanza’s lawsuit – you can’t make this stuff up:

1. Original filing= Claims all of the statements were false
2. In court = Admits all of the statements were true
3. In court = Tries and fails to rely on the characterization of the statements
4. Appeal = Claims it’s inadmissible because it’s old but it’s still true
5. As late as the date this article is published, he still masquerades as President of the Village of Poplar Grove on Facebook and that account is still active

Costanza’s appeal: Brief and Transcripts

Defendant’s Response.

Other information worthy of reading for more information on this issue (Circuit Court’s Order and Transcripts from Nov 2022)

This story was originally published by Edgar County Watchdogs. Read the original HERE.