A judge has tossed a politically charged defamation case involving casino legislation in Rockingham County
A Superior Court judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit stemming from last year’s tense Rockingham County commissioners’ election, which became entangled with the push to bring casinos to the region.
Alleged Smear Campaign
Craig Travis, a former county commissioner who lost the 2023 Republican primary, filed the 2024 suit alleging a coordinated smear campaign led by political rivals.
He named a long list of defendants, including current commissioners Kevin Berger and Mark Richardson, former commissioner Donald Powell, GOP chairwoman Diane Parnell, and political groups like GOPAC, North Carolina Conservatives Fund, and Atlas Political Consulting.
Travis, a vocal opponent of casinos, claimed that these individuals and groups spread falsehoods about his record and character to block his return to office.
He argued their motivation stemmed from his opposition to casino development, a major issue in the county last year.
Commissioners backing casinos had voted to rezone land in Stokesdale, paving the way for a proposed site. The Cordish Companies, a Maryland-based casino developer, had already optioned the property through a subsidiary.
However, Judge Hoyt Tessener issued a brief one-page ruling on Friday, siding with the defense’s argument that the suit lacked a valid legal basis and jurisdiction over one defendant.
The Lawsuit, a “Fishing Expedition”
“I don’t believe there was any evidence that my two clients engaged in any defamatory conduct,” said defense attorney Ellis Boyle.
Boyle previously called the lawsuit a “fishing expedition” meant to attract media coverage around the controversial casino push. His clients include the NC Conservatives Fund and Atlas Political Consulting.
The broader casino issue has continued to stir local and state-level debate. Phil Berger, the powerful State Senate leader and father of Commissioner Kevin Berger, championed the casino legislation in 2023, attempting to insert it into the state budget. However, his effort failed.
Now facing anti-gambling Sheriff Sam Page in next year’s primary, Berger has shifted his position.
“I do not support moving forward with, and I will not pursue, legislation that would bring casinos to North Carolina or Rockingham County,” he told The News & Observer.
Meanwhile, Travis’ legal team says the fight isn’t over. “We’ll be seeking to reverse the dismissal,” said attorney Alicia Jurney.
The case also drew attention for its courtroom complications, including judge recusals and connections to high-level political consultants.
