Priest Sues Dept. Of Corrections Over Statements Made Ahead Of Eizember Execution

The pastor who counseled death row inmate Scott Eizember before his execution is now suing the Department of Corrections claiming the agency defamed him.

The lawsuit, filed by Revered Dr. Jeff Hood, asks for $10 million in damages, based on a calculation of 25 cents per person that might have read a news report about it, according to attorney Kim Cole.

Eizember was executed January 12, with Hood present, despite earlier objections to his attendance from DOC staff. They had worries that a series of arrests for Hood at protests would turn into a disruption during the execution.

While he was initially blocked from attending, the DOC relented after Hood threatened to sue and the family of Eizembers victims urged DOC to allow it, and avoid a possible delay.

In a conference call for media Monday, Hood asked "What does it say to us that the Department of Corrections would try so hard to keep a minister out of the execution chamber. Why?”

Hood claims statements from DOC hurt his reputation. “Not only did they defame me, not only did they lie, but they did so saying they were protecting the victims and they didn't even tell the victims what they were doing before they did it.”

The Department of Corrections had no comment on the pending litigation. Hood said his lawsuit was about more than just defamation.

“Not only are we coming for the death penalty. We're coming for these government officials who are willing to lie and cheat in order to protect the death penalty,” he said.