Rennova Health President and CEO Seamus Lagan has sued a Tennessee lawmaker for $100,000, alleging he made false statements aimed at destroying Mr. Lagan’s professional and personal life, according to local TV station WBIR.

In his federal lawsuit, Mr. Lagan alleges state Rep. John Mark Windle made multiple “derogatory and false” statements to media outlets after West Palm Beach, Fla.-based Rennova closed Jamestown (Tenn.) Regional Medical Center in June. Mr. Windle allegedly called Mr. Lagan an “Irish gangster” and a “thief” in interviews with TV stations. Mr. Windle also allegedly said Mr. Lagan “cheated employees,” according to WBIR, which cited court documents.

The lawsuit alleges Mr. Windle’s statements caused Mr. Lagan reputational and professional harm as well as mental anguish and emotional distress.

After Jamestown Regional Medical Center closed June 13 there were reports that the hospital owed past-due taxes and had failed to send withholdings from employees’ paychecks to the government.

In a statement issued to the Independent Herald on June 21, Rennova said it has paid all taxes due to the state for employees who were laid off from Jamestown Regional, made all necessary unemployment-related filings with the state, and is taking steps to get the hospital’s Medicare contract reinstated. The hospital’s Medicare funding was cut off June 12.