Texas Judge Rules Alex Jones Ineligible for Bankruptcy Shield in Sandy Hook Case

5

A judge in Texas has decreed that Alex Jones, the host of Infowars, is not entitled to use the defense of bankruptcy to evade the payment of over $1.1 billion to families who took legal action against him for disseminating conspiracy theories claiming the Sandy Hook school tragedy was fabricated.

This ruling marks another consequential setback for Jones, following penalties imposed on him by juries in both Texas and Connecticut for spreading false narratives about the most lethal school shooting in U.S. history. The judgement was delivered on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston.

Jones had previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and recent financial statements submitted by his legal team indicated his personal net worth to be approximately $14 million. However, Judge Lopez determined that bankruptcy protections were not applicable in this case due to findings of “willful and malicious” behavior on Jones’ part.

Christopher Mattei, a Connecticut-based attorney representing the families, stated, “The Court’s decision ensures that there will be no sanctuary for Jones’ malevolent actions in bankruptcy court. Consequently, Jones will remain liable for his actions indefinitely, irrespective of his declared bankruptcy.”

Counsel for Jones was not immediately available for comment when sought on Friday.

On his Infowars platform, Jones released a video contending that the ruling will bear minimal tangible impact, citing his personal debt exceeding $1 million and limited means to compensate the families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy. He also mentioned his ongoing appeals against the verdicts.

Jones asserted, “The notion that we possess funds that could be confiscated is illusory; the funds simply don’t exist. This is purely a political maneuver. Regardless, they will not suppress my freedom of speech. I will continue broadcasting in one form or another.”

Following the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where 26 individuals lost their lives, Jones prominently featured a baseless conspiracy theory on his Infowars program. To sustain his show and cover his legal expenses, he has been actively encouraging his audience to make donations and make purchases on the Infowars website.

In contradiction, financial disclosures from Jones’ bankruptcy case revealed that his personal expenditures exceeded $93,000 in the month of July alone, with substantial amounts allocated for dining and leisure activities. This financial conduct has been a point of contention for the Sandy Hook families, who have not yet received any of the monetary awards granted to them by juries.

Last year, the families of the Sandy Hook victims were awarded nearly $1.5 billion in damages from Jones for continuously propagating the false notion that the school shooting was a hoax.

The financial liability for Jones could potentially escalate as another lawsuit is currently underway in Texas. This suit has been filed by the parents of Noah Pozner, a 6-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook shooting. The trial date for this case has yet to be scheduled.

During the trials, family members of the deceased provided testimony about being subjected to harassment and threats by followers of Jones. These supporters have gone as far as confronting the grieving families in person, labeling them as “crisis actors” and challenging the existence of their deceased children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bankruptcy Ruling

More about Bankruptcy Ruling

• Alex Jones Can’t Use Bankruptcy to Avoid Paying Sandy Hook Families (Source)
• Sandy Hook Families Awarded Over $1.1 Billion in Lawsuits Against Alex Jones (Reference)
• Background on Sandy Hook Lawsuits Against Alex Jones (Additional Information)
• Alex Jones’ Response to the Judge’s Ruling (Statement from Alex Jones)
• Ongoing Legal Challenges for Alex Jones (Related Lawsuit Information)