COLUMBIANA COUNTY N.J. man sues police, paper over case involving daughter

The lawsuit is seeking damages exceeding $25,000.
LISBON -- A New Jersey man is suing the Perry Township Police Department and The Salem News, asserting they were responsible for publicizing details about a 2002 crime involving his juvenile daughter.
The lawsuit was filed earlier this week in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court by James Gagnon of East Brunswick, N.J. Gagnon says that in August 2002, Perry Township police released details to the press regarding "details of a brutal crime" committed against his daughter.
The Salem News printed a detailed account of the crime, the lawsuit says. Neither information about the crime itself nor elaboration on what details were published are related in the lawsuit.
The actions of the police department and the newspaper caused severe and permanent psychological injury to the girl, the lawsuit claims. It also contends that the two parties intentionally inflicted emotional distress. The lawsuit is seeking damages exceeding $25,000.
J.D. Creer, managing editor for The Salem News, did not return a call seeking comment.
Police reaction
Township Police Chief Ray Stone said he believes the case involved a sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl. A Perry Township man recently was convicted of gross sexual imposition in the case, Stone said.
He said he can recall releasing no details to the press involving the crime. The lawsuit will be heard by Judge C. Ashley Pike.