A FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH
Help Me Protect My Marriage, My Son, & My Business
THE SITUATION
I never thought I would find myself fighting a media outlet just to keep my life intact. Recently, a local media organization based in Altoona PA published a series of Facebook posts that make false and defamatory statements about me; not simply "differences of opinion" - these statements are flat-out lies. They have accused me of being a sex offender and a child abuser.
WHAT I AM FIGHTING TO PROTECT
I moved to Altoona PA three years ago with my recently-wed wife and young son. I have slowly but steadily built up an online-first trading card shop, and am in the process of opening a brick-and-mortar store and gaming location.
The fallout from these lying posts has been immediate and devastating ...
My Marriage: I suffer from stress-induced seizures caused by PTSD, and have had several seizures since these false posts were made public. This undue stress has driven a wedge between me and my wife.
My Son: The most heartbreaking part is the potential risk of losing my son because any accusation of sexual deviancy MUST be investigated fully by Children and Youth Services. Even though I know the truth that I am innocent, the threat of investigation brings more undue stress. For instance, I had to be escorted by school security through my son's preschool after a teacher had seen the untrue Facebook posts and told the principal.
My Card Shop: In a small town like Altoona PA, word travels fast; even faster nowadays with social media platforms, like Facebook. I have found some success over my two years in business, completing over 2,000 sales last year alone. I have started talking with local landlords about opening a brick-and-mortar store to grow my business into a gaming location that is safe for the whole family. The false posts targeted at me may put those plans on hold due to hesitancy from the local community to support the business, either as an initial investor or as a new customer.
WHY I NEED YOUR HELP
This misinformation campaign against me has gone too far, and I MUST take legal action; both to protect my interests, but also to protect future victims of this media outlet. Defamation lawsuits against media entities are complex "David vs. Goliath" battles. I have consulted with legal counsel. In order for them to take my case, they require a $10,000 retainer, which will officially begin the lawsuit to hold this media outlet accountable for the damages they have caused.
As a husband, a father, and a small business owner, my resources are stretched thin trying to keep my head above water. I cannot do this alone; but I do have $5,000 available.
HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED
Every dollar raised will go directly toward ...
+ Legal Retainer Fees (as mentioned above)
+ Court Filing Costs (someone has to push the paper)
+ Discovery & Investigation (gathering the evidence to reveal the truth)
If I am so blessed to have any leftover donations after the above costs are covered, I will donate the surplus to my church to use in the local community.
THANK YOU
For those of you still reading - thank you!
Standing up to any media outlet is intimidating; however, I refuse to let these lies further impact the future of my family and my finances. Whether you can donate $500, $5, or simply share a link to this GoFundMe, you are helping fight the good fight for truth to win!