Councilman files a defamation counterclaim

Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Barlow has filed a defamation claim against a woman who accused Barlow of assaulting her in a hospital last year.

The claim, filed this week in Las Vegas Justice Court, says that Barlow has suffered a "malicious defamation" and asks for damages and attorney's fees.

There was a hearing on the case Wednesday, and the next court date is scheduled Jan. 16.

In September, a woman named Roberta Johnson sued Barlow in small claims court for $2,659 -- an amount she says is for hospital bills incurred "when Ricki Barlow assaulted me in the hall of UMC Hospital" on Aug. 22, 2006.

The complaint doesn't list the specifics of the alleged assault, and Johnson could not be reached for comment Friday.

Barlow denies an assault took place. His counterclaim alleges defamation, slander and malicious prosecution, and says that damages and attorney's fees will exceed $7,500.

This is not the first time Barlow has faced accusations of assault.

In 1998, he was arrested after his wife at the time accused him of slapping her while she was moving out of their home.

Those charges were dismissed as part of a deal that required Barlow to perform community service and get counseling.

"I have never touched a woman, and I never will. I respect women too much," he said earlier this year when the arrest came up during his campaign. "During my divorce, there was a heated argument, and allegations were made. The judge looked at the allegations, and he dismissed the allegations."