Reverend says he was intentionally embarrassed

CHARLES TOWN - A Martinsburg pastor is suing the man that brought allegations of theft against him.

Reverend Alex Lambert Jr. filed the lawsuit May 24 in Jefferson Circuit Court against Brian Ross.

The lawsuit specifies that Ross is not a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, where Lambert is the pastor. But Lambert says that didn't stop Ross from filing a lawsuit in the Magistrate Court of Jefferson County alleging that Lambert wrongfully took items from the church.

"The lawsuit has no basis in law or fact and was frivolous on its face," the complaint says.

"After commencement of such action, Defendant Ross abused the Jefferson County Magistrate Court civil, legal and/or judicial process by not dismissing the cause of action against Plaintiff Lambert when it became apparent that Defendant's complaint was without merit."

Lambert claims his reputation has been harmed, though the action was terminated in his favor on March 15.

He is seeking $20,000 in compensatory damages and another $50,000 in punitive damages. On his charge of cause of action for malicious prosecution of civil action, Lambert seeks $20,000 in special damages.

Sherman Lambert Sr. of Shepherdstown law firm The Law Offices of Sherman L. Lambert Sr. is the plaintiff's attorney.

Jefferson Circuit Court case number 06-C-184