Radio Talk Jock Accused Of Defamation

BALTIMORE (CN) – WOLB radio talk show host Darrin Muhammad defamed the former press spokesman for the Baltimore Police by broadcasting, falsely, that she had sexual affairs with the police commissioner and the mayor, Ragina Avarella claims in City Court.     Avarella, who no longer works for the Baltimore PD, sued Radio One, station WOLB’s corporate parent, and Muhammad. She claims Muhammad defamed her on his July 13, 2007 radio show, and that he knew the allegations were false when he made them. On that show, she says, “Mr. Muhammad falsely stated that Plaintiff was, or is, having an illicit sexual relationship with her former boss, Police Commissioner Edward Norris, as well as Mayor Martin O’Malley, and traveled to New York City on various occasions for this purpose.”     She demands $3 million in damages. She is represented by Stuart Arnovits of Baltimore and Samantha Smith of Westminster, Md.