Blogger excluded from Md. shield law

Last week, District Court Judge Gerald Purnell denied a blogger’s motion that he is protected under Maryland’s shield law in a defamation lawsuit filed against him.

Salisbury Police Chief Allan Webster filed a complaint against Web log operator Joseph Albero for publishing an allegedly defamatory letter about the officer on his blog.  Webster is suing for almost $10,000 for reckless and malicious harm to his character.

The judge ruled that Albero must explain and verify the accuracy of the published content, but he does not have to reveal the actual source of the letter. A trial has been scheduled for July 30.

Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman has also filed a complaint against Albero.