Grants Pass Media publisher files tort claim against county commissioner over allegations of misconduct

John Riccio, the publisher of Grants Pass Media and the Grants Pass Tribune, has filed a Tort Claim Notice against Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett, alleging several serious offenses that could reshape the relationship between local media and government. The claim, rooted in the Oregon Tort Claims Act, accuses Barnett of unlawful activities that Riccio claims resulted in significant financial loss, reputational damage and violations of his First Amendment rights.
Riccio, who has overseen Grants Pass Media since 2020 and established both the media outlet and the Tribune this year, asserts that his organization engages a readership exceeding $3 million. In a detailed statement regarding the claim, Riccio emphasized the importance of independent journalism and the protection of free speech.
The allegations against Barnett are multifaceted. Central to Riccio’s claim is an accusation that Barnett created a fraudulent social media page designed to mimic Grants Pass Media Jan. 24, 2025, potentially misleading the public and undermining Riccio’s brand. Furthermore, the claim alleges that Barnett copied an article from the Grants Pass Tribune, written by Del Aldridge, without securing permission, thereby infringing on copyright laws.
Another troubling assertion in the claim is that Barnett allegedly leveraged his position to disrupt Riccio’s business operations. Specifically, it is claimed that he influenced a potential advertiser, El Callejon, to withdraw from negotiations after they appeared on Barnett’s competing platform, the “Josephine County Tribune.” Such actions, Riccio argues, not only amount to tortious interference but also serve as a clear indication of unfair competition in a market where transparency is crucial.
Additionally, Riccio’s claim posits that Barnett has utilized county resources—including staff and equipment—to advance his own competing media endeavors, raising ethical questions about the commissioner’s conduct. “Public officials should not be using taxpayer resources for personal gain,” Riccio remarked, highlighting the potential conflicts of interest inherent in Barnett’s alleged practices.
Moreover, Riccio alleges that Barnett has engaged in censorship by limiting public commentary on official forums, particularly dismissing perspectives that contradicted his own. “By stifling opposing voices, Barnett is not only harming my business but also eroding the democratic principles we hold dear,” Riccio asserted.
The claim seeks $701,300 in damages, citing tortious interference with business relationships, defamation, unfair competition, identity theft, and First Amendment violations. Riccio has invoked protections against SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) suits, which are designed to safeguard free speech and public participation in governmental processes.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners has yet to respond to the allegations.