A heated legal battle has erupted in Harris County, Texas, where Matthew Cone has filed a lawsuit against an unknown individual, referred to as John Doe, accusing them of defamation and breach of computer security. The complaint was officially filed by Matthew Cone on August 14, 2024, in the District Court of Harris County.
Matthew Cone's case centers around allegations that his campaign for the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) school board was maliciously targeted by an anonymous group known as SAVESBISD. According to the complaint, Mr. Cone, who is deeply involved in public service and education advocacy within SBISD, faced a series of defamatory attacks orchestrated by this group. These attacks included false statements disseminated through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and a website blog, which sought to tarnish his reputation and derail his election bid.
The plaintiff asserts that these defamatory actions were not only damaging but also strategically timed to influence the outcome of the school board election. Mr. Cone claims that SAVESBISD's efforts successfully suppressed over 4,000 voters, ultimately leading to his defeat in the election. "The clear goal of these posts was to tarnish Mr. Cone’s name and prevent his election to the SBISD board," states the complaint.
Furthermore, Mr. Cone alleges that his online accounts and those of other members of Parents for Improved Public Education ("Pipeline") were hacked during the campaign period. A forensic report attached to the complaint suggests that SAVESBISD likely conducted this cyber intrusion as part of their broader mission to spread false information about him.
In addition to seeking redress for libel and breach of computer security under Texas law, Mr. Cone is pursuing exemplary damages due to what he describes as malicious intent behind these actions. He argues that Defendant's actions have caused significant harm within the jurisdictional limits of the court.
The relief sought by Mr. Cone includes actual damages exceeding $250,000, exemplary damages for malicious libel and breach of computer security, injunctive relief preventing further defamation by the defendant(s), post-judgment interest at the maximum rate provided by law, court costs, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Matthew Cone are attorneys Mitch Little and Justin Masoner from Scheef & Stone LLP. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-52944.