On December 2, 2025, the Ochs Law Firm filed a civil complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming on behalf of David Mecartney against Teton Media Works, Inc. d/b/a Jackson Hole News & Guide. The suit alleges the newspaper published and republished false statements portraying Mr. Mecartney as an abuser, causing severe harm to his private reputation and professional standing.
According to the complaint, the publication failed to seek Mr. Mecartney’s comment prior to publication, ignored readily available public records, and later issued an inadequate update that, rather than correcting the record, reinforced a damaging and false narrative. The filing seeks general, punitive, and nominal damages, and demands a jury trial.
“Reputations are fragile, and when they are unjustly attacked, the damage is immediate and profound,” said Jason Ochs, managing attorney at the Ochs Law Firm. “Justice is not optional when someone’s good name is wrongly destroyed; it is essential. We intend to hold accountable those who abuse the power of words and ensure the truth is restored.”
The complaint details the impact of the reporting on Mr. Mecartney’s personal life and decades-long career in aviation management, asserting that the publications subjected him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule, and jeopardized client relationships and professional opportunities.
The Ochs Law Firm emphasizes that responsible journalism requires verification, balance, and fairness—especially on sensitive matters. Where those standards are abandoned, the law provides remedies to restore the truth and redress the harm.
