By Ray King
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., has filed a lawsuit against a local blogger and two unnamed individuals alleging that they have repeated false stories and accusations against him, including an allegation that he is a murderer.
The lawsuit was filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court and names Mark Cannon, and John Doe 1 and John/Jane Doe 2.
Cannon manages a Facebook Page in his name and one titled Voice for Justice and according to the lawsuit, Cannon has more than 30,000 followers.
On April 13, 2022, Cannon alleged that Woods is a “killer’ while displaying a photograph of Woods. A later post alleged Woods is responsible for covering up several murders in the city.
In December, Cannon claimed Woods was responsible for the shooting death of Maurice Taggart, the former director of the Urban Renewal Agency, and alleging Taggart was shot twice in the back by Woods.
Prosecuting Attorney S. Kyle Hunter has launched an investigation into Taggart’s death but no charges have been filed in that case.
Cannon has also alleged that Woods was responsible for a death of a person detained in the adult jail. That claim was made in January.
The lawsuit claims Cannon’s actions has caused pain and suffering as well as a wanton disregard for the truth. It is seeking punitive and compensatory damages.
