BAYVILLE, N.J. — A Bayville man filed a sprawling civil lawsuit accusing Meta, local officials, media organizations and private individuals of participating in what he claims was a coordinated campaign of online defamation, harassment and reputational harm tied to Facebook posts and criminal allegations.
Keith Boyce filed the lawsuit in Ocean County Superior Court against multiple defendants, including Meta, Joseph Coronato, attorney Brian Bilhimer, Ocean County agencies, RLS Media, Township Media, and several unnamed parties.
The complaint alleges false information about Boyce circulated through a Facebook page allegedly created and maintained by defendant Preeya Danikka Somozo, whom Boyce claims used the platform to publish damaging accusations and encourage public harassment.
According to the filing, Boyce claims the online posts included his name and photograph alongside allegations he says are entirely false.
The lawsuit alleges the posts caused financial losses, emotional distress and long-term damage to his reputation and employment opportunities.
Lawsuit Claims Online Posts Led to Financial Harm
In the complaint, Boyce claims the alleged Facebook activity affected his ability to secure employment and complete business transactions.
The filing states one prospective employer allegedly withdrew interest after reviewing online content connected to the Facebook page.
Boyce also alleges a vehicle purchase arrangement collapsed because of concerns tied to the online allegations, resulting in the loss of a deposit and additional financial damages.
The lawsuit further claims the posts triggered harassment from strangers online, including threatening comments and accusations that Boyce says were based on misinformation spread through social media.
According to court filings, Boyce repeatedly requested removal of the content from Meta but alleges the company failed to take down the material or provide identifying information about individuals allegedly involved with the page.
Key Points
• Bayville man accuses Meta and others of spreading false information online
• Lawsuit claims Facebook posts caused financial and reputational harm
• Complaint seeks damages and removal of online content
Complaint Expands Into Broader Allegations
The lawsuit extends beyond the Facebook dispute and includes allegations involving Ocean County prosecutors, media reporting and prior criminal matters.
Boyce claims officials and others engaged in malicious prosecution, harassment and abuse of power connected to unrelated legal proceedings and public reporting.
The filing references prior disputes involving criminal charges, landlord-tenant conflicts and media coverage that Boyce alleges harmed his reputation and emotional well-being.
Court documents also accuse unnamed parties of conspiring to damage Boyce’s public image through internet posts and news dissemination.
The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, injunctive relief and removal of online posts tied to the allegations.
Boyce filed the matter pro se, meaning he is representing himself without an attorney.
Multiple Claims Listed in Ocean County Filing
The lawsuit includes claims for defamation, slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud and injunctive relief.
The filing additionally references alleged civil rights violations, procedural misconduct and reputational damage tied to internet activity and criminal proceedings.
In the complaint, Boyce asks the court to order the removal of Facebook content and compel defendants to provide information about individuals allegedly involved in operating or contributing to the online posts.
