A defamation lawsuit filed against Monterey County was dismissed on Friday. Pebble Beach residents Angelo Benjamin Amadio and Ralph Kennaugh filed the suit after a 2009 press conference held by Monterey County Sheriff’s officials suggested that the men had filed a false police report. The 2 reported in September 2009 that several pieces of artwork had been stolen from their home. They claimed the value at 27-million dollars, however authorities believe the claim was a hoax. Amadio and Kennaugh maintained that allegation defamed them, but a judge disagreed. The 2 now could face an order to pay the County’s legal bills, meanwhile, the art theft remains an open case.
