Gilberts man files slander suit in condo board dispute
The former president of a Gilberts condominium association has sued two neighbors, claiming he was the victim of slander, defamation and conspiracy, arguing they lied about him to force him out in a recall election in March 2013.
Kevin Mallo seeks unspecified damages from Mary Beth Bajorek, who is now president, and Michael Johnson, in a lawsuit filed in Kane County.
Mallo contends in the lawsuit that Bajorek was operating a day care business and Johnson had delinquent dues — both in violation of the Timber Trails Condominium Association’s rules — so the two hatched a plan to turn residents against Mallo.
Mallo argues the pair lied about him, and Bajorek told neighbors he poked her in the chest during an argument, according to the lawsuit.
“Mr. Mallo’s style is to bully people,” read part of a flier from Bajorek that was attached as an exhibit to the lawsuit. “He condones harassment. He finds it appropriate to swear and yell to make his point. He is hostile, aggressive and careless with the association money. Ask him who paid for his AC unit to be repaired for $360.”
The flier also argued that Mallo neglected his duties as association president after being appointed in fall 2012.
Another exhibit to the lawsuit was an email to neighbors sent out by Johnson stating that Mallo had harassed, threatened and assaulted fellow board members and had been warned by Gilberts police about it.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Johnson said he had not been served with the lawsuit but denied spreading anything false about Mallo.
“It’s bogus,” Johnson said of the lawsuit. “That’s about the only thing I can say about it at this time. There were not any slanderous lies and no slanderous statements. The definition of slander is to be telling lies and there were no lies.”
Messages left for Bajorek were not returned, nor was a phone message left at the Gilberts Police Department to see if Mallo had been the subject of any assault investigation.
Philip Piscopo, the attorney for Mallo, did not return messages Tuesday.
The case is due in court March 27.