Zaloga v. Borough of Moosic — civil rights — reversal — Jordan

The Third Circuit today reversed a district court’s denial of summary judment on qualified-immunity grounds. The introduction:

This case is an appeal from an interlocutory decision denying defendant Joseph Mercatili’s claim to qualified immunity. Dr. Edward Zaloga, who had been engaged in an ongoing feud with local government officials, publicly opposed Mercatili’s reelection as the President of the Moosic, Pennsylvania Borough Council. Mercatili allegedly retaliated against Zaloga by seeking to damage his business interests.

Zaloga brought this § 1983 suit against several county entities and individuals, alleging various constitutional violations, including Mercatili’s retaliation. The United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania granted the defendants’ motion for summary judgment with respect to all defendants except Mercatili. The Court decided that Mercatili’s claim to qualified immunity depended on disputed facts and would have to be resolved by a jury.

Mercatili now appeals, arguing that he is entitled to qualified immunity because his conduct, even if Zaloga’s allegations are true, did not violate clearly established law. We agree and will reverse and remand for the District Court to grant summary judgment in Mercatili’s favor.

Joining Jordan were Smith and Rendell. Arguing counsel were Joshua Autry of Lavery Law for the appellants and Joseph Healey of O’Malley Harris for the appellees.