**Groves woman accused of defaming child psychiatrist hit with $200K default judgment

A Beaumont child psychiatrist has received a $200,000 default judgment in his defamation suit against a Groves woman.

As previously reported, Dr. Sudheer Kaza filed the suit against Tracy Mooney on March 1, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court.

Court records show that on Jan. 17 Kaza filed a motion for default judgment, stating the defendant has failed to file a timely answer.

A default judgment was entered on Jan. 29, awarding Kaza $100,000 for defamation and an additional $100,000 for disparagement of his business.

The lawsuit alleges that on March 17, 2011, Mooney, while in custody at the Jefferson County Correction Facility, made videotaped statements to federal drug agents and local law enforcement officers regarding Kaza.

The statements concerned drug use and were published to the Texas Medical Board, the suit states.

Kaza asserts the statements were false and economically damaging to his business.

He claimed he was unable to continue his career as a psychiatrist.

Beaumont attorney Todd LeBlanc represents him.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. E192-041