Attorney sues Craigslist advertiser for defamation

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Patrick Young has given Belleville attorney Steven Katz the power to subpoena classified ad Web site Craigslist to find out who published Katz's private cell number on the site.

In a civil suit filed July 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Katz claims he received harassing phone calls, at least one originating from East St. Louis, after his cell number was published "with defamatory material."

Acting pro se, Katz filed suit seeking less than $70,000 against "John Doe."

"Plaintiff has brought this cause of action for defamation for the false internet postings," the complaint states. "As a proximate result of the offending statements, plaintiff has suffered a loss of reputation and other harm."

Once defendant's true name is known, Katz claims he will amend his complaint.

Katz claims that Craigslist, Inc. will not reveal the defendant's identity without a subpoena.