Cooney files counter claim against Foster
Date: 7/25/2013
By Chris Maza
chrism@thereminder.comLONGMEADOW – Former Springfield Indians owner Peter Cooney, who, in a June lawsuit was accused of sexually abusing his stepdaughter Lisa Foster when she was a child, filed a counter claim against her last week.
In the original lawsuit filed by Foster in Hampden Superior Court on June 26, she accused Cooney, who is now an agent representing professional hockey players, of regularly raping and molesting her from the time she was 7 years old until she was 14 years old.
In a press release on Cooney’s behalf in response to the allegations, Cooney’s attorney, Michael Jennings, vehemently denied the allegations and pledged to battle the charges and counter sue.
“The countersuit was filed and can be found at the Hampden County court,” Jennings confirmed on July 23.
In the formal response to Foster’s request of a jury trial, indicated that his client rejected any allegations of wrongdoing.
Countering the counts of battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, the answer stated Cooney “denies he ever had sexual contact with [Foster]” and “denies he ever raped, molested or abused [Foster].”
Jennings presented an affirmative defense that asserted that Foster’s suit did not meet the statute of limitations and “is therefore barred.”
Foster claimed to have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dissociative Identity Disorder in April 2011 and has maintained that she should be able to have her case heard because Massachusetts law states civil action can be taken within three years of the discovery of an emotional or psychological disorder that was caused by the abuse.
While not challenging the diagnosis of Foster’s condition, the defense denied any connection between the condition and Cooney, stating, “Such injuries and damages are due to the acts of another, for whose conduct the defendant is not legally responsible.”
In the counter claim against Foster, Cooney accused her of utilizing “slanderous, libelous, false, malicious, scandalous and defamatory” claims both orally and in writing on social media and in “the local news media” from 2011 through 2013 to impugn his reputation.
“The aforesaid words tended to injure the honesty, integrity, morality, and reputation of [Cooney] and to thereby expose him to public scorn, contempt and ridicule, and to injury and damage him in his ability to earn a living,” the counter suit said.
Foster confirmed to Reminder Publications that she had been served with the answer and countersuit, adding that she has retained counsel through attorney F. Michael Joseph. A call to Joseph’s office requesting comment was not returned as of press time.
