In a striking legal development, a mental healthcare provider has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against its former Regional Director, alleging defamation and various other charges. Akua Behavioral Health, Inc. lodged the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento on June 28, 2024, accusing Ariel Place of a series of damaging actions.
The plaintiff, Akua Behavioral Health, Inc., is a Sacramento-based corporation that provides mental healthcare and counseling services. The company claims that Ariel Place, who was employed as their Regional Director, initiated a campaign of defamation that included libelous and slanderous statements aimed at the company's leadership and operations. According to the complaint, these defamatory actions have caused significant financial harm to Akua Behavioral Health.
Kenny Dewan, CEO of Akua Behavioral Health, is specifically mentioned as a target of these defamatory statements. The lawsuit details several accusations made by Place against Dewan and the company. Among these are claims that Dewan is running the business illegally and that his actions are leading to lawsuits which the company continues to lose. Furthermore, Place allegedly intimated that due to Dewan's actions, the company would not survive and suggested more lawsuits were imminent.
The complaint asserts that these false statements were disseminated verbally, telephonically, and via email by Place in her individual capacity. It also alleges that she contacted employees at various facilities with these defamatory remarks. The plaintiff contends that Place's actions were maliciously intended to damage their reputation and interfere with their business relationships.
Akua Behavioral Health is seeking several forms of relief from the court. They request compensatory damages exceeding $25,000 for economic losses suffered due to Place's alleged misconduct. Additionally, they seek punitive damages for what they describe as intentional and malicious acts by Place. The plaintiff also requests injunctive relief to prevent further defamatory actions by the defendant.
Representing Akua Behavioral Health in this case is Geoffrey O. Evers from Evers Law Group A.P.C., while Judge H. Larson will preside over the proceedings under Case No.: 2 412°" O01 3004.