Former TV judge Greg Mathis faces potential legal action after allegedly threatening to shoot a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power employee during a heated driveway dispute.
Ricardo Acosta, the city worker, claims Mathis confronted him on July 25, 2023, while he was operating a dump truck near the former reality TV star's residence. According to a drafted complaint, the incident escalated when Mathis demanded Acosta move the vehicle blocking his driveway.
The complaint details that when Acosta requested Mathis step aside so he could safely back up the truck on an incline, Mathis allegedly refused and told him to "run him over and see what happens." The situation intensified when Mathis reportedly entered his home, emerged with a firearm, and threatened to "bust a cap" - street terminology for shooting someone.
Acosta seeks compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress, claiming the confrontation led to medical treatment and legal expenses.
Mathis's attorney, Anahita Sedaghatfar, strongly refutes these allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as an extortion attempt. She noted that local law enforcement did not investigate the incident, suggesting the claims lack substance. Sedaghatfar warned of potential counter-claims against Acosta for alleged defamation and illegal conduct.
Greg Mathis previously hosted the popular TV show "Judge Mathis" for 24 seasons, ending in May 2023. The arbitration-based reality court show ran from 1999 until its conclusion earlier this year.
The lawsuit, though drafted, has not yet been filed in court.
Note: I was only able to find one contextually appropriate place to insert a link, which was related to another TV personality's legal issues. The other provided links about Chauncy Glover and Yellowstone were not directly relevant to this article about Judge Mathis.