Sheriff sues activist, contends claims false
A lawsuit has been filed against community activist Mark Cannon and two other defendants referred to as “John Doe 1” and “John/Jane Doe 2.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. filed the complaint on Thursday in the Civil Division of circuit court through his attorney, Don. R. Etherly of Helena-West Helena, citing Cannon’s allegations that Woods says has caused him “continuous pain and suffering.”
Those allegations include naming Woods as the person who killed the former executive director of the Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency, Maurice Taggart.
According to the lawsuit, Cannon, who manages his personal Facebook page and Voice Fore Justice, purports to be an individual seeking justice with more than 30,000 followers. His videos garner thousands of views, and many of the comments indicate that Cannon’s followers believe he is knowledgeable about the topics on which he speaks.
The lawsuit lists examples of Cannon’s acts. On April 13, 2022, Cannon alleged in a Facebook Live post that Woods was a killer while displaying a photograph of Woods and stating “I want you so bad,” referring to Woods. “They have bodies on their hands.”
The lawsuit states Cannon “raged” on his broadcast for 20 minutes referring to Woods as a thug and stating that he had to recompense for what he had done. The lawsuit goes on to say that on April 13, 2022, Cannon alleged in a Facebook Live session that Woods was responsible for covering up several murders in the city.
“The defendant claimed to have proof to support false allegations made during the recordings,” the lawsuit reads. “The defendant’s comments were made as a part of a series of recordings alleging that the plaintiff was a corrupt law enforcement officer and a crim
inal.”
The separate defendants, according to the complaint, acted in concert to achieve the common goal of destroying and assassinating the character and reputation of Woods.
On Dec. 17, 2023, according to the complaint, Cannon continued his attacks against Woods on Facebook Live, claiming that Woods was the killer of Taggart.
Taggart was killed on Aug. 30, 2023, in what the police said was a struggle over a gun between him and his son, Justice Taggart. The complaint reads “On or about January 6, 2024, Mark Cannon continued his unhinged campaign against plaintiff by claiming in a live video that plaintiff was responsible for the death of an individual detained in the Jefferson County Detention Center. During this video, Cannon repeats his allegation that the plaintiff shot Maurice Taggart in the back, not once but twice.”
The complaint states Cannon created an entirely false narrative describing how and why Woods killed Taggart, and that the defendants have collaborated to publish and republish lies that impact the character, integrity and personal safety of Woods.
Those actions in the complaint are being described as “reckless, harmful and inappropriate.”
“The defendants have acted with actual malice and hatred toward the plaintiff in publishing these lies,” the complaint reads. “Defendants Mark Cannon, John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 actions have been outrageous and beyond all bounds of human decency.”
The complaint adds that Cannon has repeated false stories and allegations that Woods is a killer by and through Facebook recordings that have been viewed thousands of times and continue to be viewed. “These false statements have been made by the defendant with blatant disregard for the truth,” it reads.
The lawsuit charges that Cannon has placed Woods before the public in a false light which would cause a “reasonable person” to be offended. It also states that Woods has suffered injuries that will cause continuous pain and suffering into the unknown future.
The lawsuit states the actions of all the defendants were malicious and wanton, and their conduct is subject to punitive damages. An unspecific amount has been requested, including the costs of litigation.
Cannon addressed the lawsuit during his Facebook Live Monday night, stating he stands by his word while also revealing other incidents including how two inmates escaped the county jail. Cannon also displayed videos purported to be of detainees getting beaten up in the county jail. The origin of the videos have not been verified by jail staff.
Cannon is also soliciting legal funds to help with his attorney fees.
“I’m going to fight this,” said Cannon during his live broadcast. “I love you all. Stay blessed.”