Wisconsin woman convicted of criminal libel

A Wisconsin woman could face up to nine months in jail or a $10,000 fine after being convicted of criminal defamation this week.

Laura Lee Janzig pleaded guilty to criminal defamation in Superior, Wisc. for allegedly false e-mail she wrote to members of the Superior School District alleging that a local teacher was having sex with her students and videotaping it. The accused teacher was put on administrative leave and was investigated by the local police department.

The e-mail was traced back to Janzig, who was dating a former boyfriend of the accused teacher. Janzig will be sentenced on Dec. 1.

All states allow civil libel suits, where individuals sue when their reputation is harmed. Criminal libel laws exists in a number of states, and subject people to imprisonment or fines.