Fillmore, Utah – Wayne Aston, a Utah land developer and entrepreneur, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Millard County Chronicle Progress, a rural Utah newspaper. Aston claims that the newspaper published libelous articles that cast doubt on his business investments and plans to construct a $280 million manufacturing plant in Fillmore.
The lawsuit, filed in December, alleges that the Chronicle Progress published five defamatory and inaccurate articles about Aston’s efforts to develop a factory on 151 acres of land. Aston contends that these negative reports have damaged his business reputation, leading to a loss of trust and the rejection of loan applications by several lenders. He is seeking damages of at least $10 million.
The Chronicle Progress, which has been covering Millard County for 130 years, stands by its reporting and has every intention of vigorously defending itself against Aston’s claims, according to Jeff Hunt, an attorney for the newspaper. Hunt also emphasized the importance of local newspapers in informing residents and expressed concern over their declining numbers across the country.
In addition to the Chronicle Progress, Aston has also named Matt Ward, the author of the articles, as a defendant in the lawsuit. Aston alleges that the newspaper included negative allegations about his past business dealings in an attempt to dissuade Fillmore city officials from supporting his project.
Aston’s attorney has not yet provided a comment on the matter. The developer initially announced his plans to construct a factory for modular housing units in March 2022. However, by August of the same year, the Chronicle Progress reported significant changes to Aston’s plans. Ward’s article detailed how the development agreement shifted its focus from modular housing to a facility that would convert construction waste into other building products.
Aston argues that the city officials have not completely rejected his project and that he continues to work with them to revise the details of the development agreement. The outcome of this legal dispute will have significant implications for both Aston and the Chronicle Progress as they defend their respective positions.
Wayne Aston, a Utah land developer, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Millard County Chronicle Progress. Aston alleges that the newspaper published defamatory articles about his business investments and plans to construct a manufacturing plant in Fillmore. In response, the Chronicle Progress stands by its reporting and plans to defend itself against the lawsuit. The outcome of this legal dispute will have notable consequences for both parties involved.