Prince George’s Candidate John Myrick Sues Conservative Blogger for Repeated “Stolen Valor” Claims
By Barry O’Connell — Maryland Wire
Prince George’s County political circles saw an unusual legal filing this week: John Myrick, a county resident and former federal law‑enforcement officer, has filed suit against conservative commentator Jeffrey Peters, operator of the website Conservative Maryland, alleging repeated and knowingly false claims of stolen valor.
According to the complaint filed in Prince George’s County Circuit Court, Peters published and circulated statements asserting that Myrick falsified or exaggerated his military and federal service record. The lawsuit states that Myrick repeatedly asked Peters to stop, warning him that the claims were false and defamatory. Peters allegedly continued anyway.
The filing argues that Peters’ conduct meets the standard for defamation per se, because accusing someone of stolen valor inherently alleges dishonesty, fraud, and moral unfitness — categories that do not require proof of damages.
Who is Jeffrey Peters?
Peters runs a small, self‑published political site called Conservative Maryland, registered under the business name Conservative Maryland Media Group LLC (per state business records). The site is known in Maryland political circles for loose editorial standards, frequent factual errors, and a tendency to repeat unverified claims circulating in activist Facebook groups.
Multiple sources in the Maryland GOP and county‑level conservative organizations describe Peters as “sloppy,” “reckless,” and “not someone we cite.” This is consistent with the pattern described in the lawsuit.
Myrick’s complaint notes that Peters was informed “multiple times” that his statements were false, yet continued to publish them.
Why this case matters
This is not a typical political spat. “Stolen valor” is one of the most legally dangerous accusations a writer can make. Courts treat it as inherently defamatory because it alleges:
- lying about military service
- misrepresenting federal credentials
- fraud for personal or political gain
If Peters cannot substantiate his claims — and the lawsuit asserts he cannot — he faces significant legal exposure.
The case also highlights a growing issue in Maryland politics: the rise of low‑quality partisan blogs that publish allegations without verification, often targeting local candidates who lack the resources to fight back.
This time, the target fought back.
What happens next
The court will now determine:
- whether Peters’ statements were false
- whether he acted with actual malice
- whether damages or injunctive relief are appropriate
Given the documented warnings Myrick allegedly sent before filing suit, the case may turn on whether Peters knowingly disregarded the truth.
Either way, this lawsuit will likely send a message to Maryland’s more reckless online commentators: there are limits.