Former Editor Sues Tri-County Times for $100,000

The former editor of the is suing the newspaper after she said she was fired for opposing management's violation of copyright laws, the journalism code of ethics and "flat-out plagiarism."

Cheryl Dennison, who worked at the Tri-County Times for 12 years, including the last several as editor, has sued the paper, its corporate parent company Rockman Communications, and publishers Craig Rockman and Rick Rockman Jr. in Genesee Circuit Court, according to the Court House News Service.

She seeks more than $100,000 in damages including age discrimination, loss of wages, emotional distress, damage to her reputation and other claims, according to court documents.

Court records show that Dennison claims that numerous times she informed her immediate supervisor and newspaper publishers Craig Rockman that the Tri-County Times violated copyright laws, the journalism code of ethics, Associated Press Style and was "just flat-out plagiarism."

Dennison claims she was regarded as an "exceptional employee" when Rick Rockman Sr. was in charge, according to the court records. She said after , leaving Craig Rockman and Rick Rockman Jr. in charge, there were comments made to her such as "I want someone younger to run the paper" and "It's time for you to retire," the court records state.

The suit was filed Feb. 23 and assigned to Judge Joseph J. Farah in Genesee Circuit Court.

The Tri-County Times won 13 Michigan Press Association Awards in 2011. The paper has served Fenton, Linden, Holly and surrounding areas since 1994.

Calls placed to the Tri-County Times and Dennison's attorney, Tom Pabst, have not yet been returned.