DEFAM, Esparza v. Moore, et al set for March 28

Pioneer Press (David Pollard) doesn't break much new ground if you read Proviso Probe's coverage of Esparza vs. Moore. The re-trial is set for March 28.

Pollard's article only addresses the aggravated home repair fraud issue. The newsletter included calling Esparza a "felon". He's never been convicted. It included an arrest report for a firearms violation on another Paul Esparza. It referred to "aggravated home fraud issue" as "elder abuse" (technically correct), but then lumped "elder abuse" with a number of heinous crimes, including pedophilia, in a way that was designed to be misleading.

If the newsletter wasn't so scurrilous, the defendents might be able to plead "honest mistake" on the firearms violation and misuse of the term felon. But with the pedophilia bomb included, it makes it unlikely a jury will have much sympathy.

So Moore and his co-defendents are claiming someone else produced the newsletter. This defense has problems.

1. Moore and Sharp were seen distributing the newsletter.
2. The newsletter includes Moore's endorsed slate of candidates. The candidates are in punch number order except for Moore who vaulted himself to near the top of the list (after the statewide candidates and Lightford).
3. The flyer includes a picture of Esparza taken at a Eugene Moore fundraiser. Esparza claims the photo was displayed in Moore's home before they parted ways.