Gary Condit sues Dominick Dunne for slander

NEW YORK - Retiring Representative Gary Condit has hired an Atlanta lawyer and sued an author he claims slandered him in interviews about the Chandra Levy case. <br> <br> The federal lawsuit claims Dominick Dunne ``made false and defamatory statements&#39;&#39; accusing Condit of involvement in kidnapping and murder. <br> <br> The suit cites radio, television and newspaper interviews in which Dunne linked Condit to the disappearance of Levy in May 2001. <br> <br> Condit&#39;s attorney is L. Lin Wood of Atlanta. Wood also represents John and Patsy Ramsey and also represented former Olympic security guard Richard Jewell. <br> <br> The California Democrat reportedly told investigators he was having an affair with Levy, a former intern at the Bureau of Prisons whose remains eventually were found in Rock Creek Park in Washington. <br> <br> But he denied any involvement in her disappearance, and police never named him as a suspect. <br> <br> Wood says Dunne ``transformed an allegation of sexual misconduct into criminal accusations.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Condit&#39;s re-election bid failed earlier this year. Wood says Condit plans to file similar suits against other defendants. <br> <br> Dunne is a frequent commentator about the legal troubles of the rich and famous. He writes a column for Vanity Fair magazine and hosts his own series on Court TV. <br> <br> Condit is seeking at least one million dollars in compensatory and ten million dollars in punitive damages.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/12/201744