New York attorney sued for defamation

In a battle between Long Island lawyers, a law firm filed a defamation suit against defense attorney Thomas F. Liotti, contending he made defamatory comments to the media by accusing firm partners Peter J. Galasso and James Langione of being complicit in embezzling funds from their law firm’s escrow account.

Last week, a grand jury handed down a 22-count indictment against Galasso’s brother Anthony, the firm’s former bookkeeper.  Anthony Galasso retained Liotti to defend him against charges that he stole more than $4 million to afford a lavish lifestyle that included private jets, luxury cars and family vacations.

Liotti told media outlets last week that Anthony Gallaso was merely following orders from his brother and the firm and accused the firm of using the money to pay for tickets to concerts and sporting events.