A South Dakota judge has ruled that statements made by the American Legion and later republished by two news organizations do not meet the legal standard for defamation, dismissing a civil suit filed by a former Mitchell baseball player.
Background of the dispute
The dispute centers on a letter sent in November 2024 by American Legion adjutant C.P. Van Delist to members of the Mitchell Baseball Association. The letter, which was later reported by the Mitchell Republic and KELO-TV, identified six players who were connected to a 2023 hazing incident and referenced a separate criminal case.
In July 2025, Peyton Mandel, one of the six named players, sued, alleging Van Delist's letter contained "false, malicious, and defamatory" statements. Mandel named the American Legion as well as Nexstar Media Group, owner of KELO-TV, and Forum Communications, owner of the Mitchell Republic, as defendants because both news organizations had published stories that included the letter.
Judge's decision
More than a year after Mandel filed the lawsuit, the judge ruled in favor of the American Legion and the two media companies, determining the statements in question did not constitute defamation under the applicable legal standard.
"It's always a good feeling when journalism and investigative reporting wins. This shows our community that our newspaper cares about the truth and isn't afraid of telling it, no matter who is involved or what the story is about."
The Mitchell Republic's editor, Luke Hagen, made that statement following the ruling. The newspaper had reported details from Van Delist's letter, which named all six players and stated in part: "All of these individuals are guilty of accessory to a felony, acknowledging by affirmation of their guilty pleas, that the felonies they were charged with, rape and aiding and abetting, did take place."
What was at issue
Mandel's complaint argued the sentence in Van Delist's letter falsely and maliciously labeled him and the other named players as guilty of accessory to a felony. The lawsuit sought redress from the American Legion and the media organizations that republished the letter.
The news organizations published accounts that included the letter as part of coverage about the American Legion's decision to bar Mitchell Baseball from participation after the criminal matter moved through the courts.
Local impact and broader context
The ruling concludes a legal chapter for the individuals and organizations named in the suit, and it reinforces the complex intersection of local institutions, news reporting and legal claims over reputation. The case also illustrates how statements made by private organizations and later reported by the press can generate litigation when criminal allegations and community institutions intersect.
Officials and community members in Mitchell have been following the matter since the original letter circulated in late 2024. The American Legion's action to bar Mitchell Baseball was tied to the fallout from a 2023 incident that involved the six players and a hazing event at a Rapid City hotel room, which later became part of criminal proceedings.
| Party | Role | Outcome in Lawsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Peyton Mandel | Plaintiff, former Mitchell baseball player | Sued alleging defamation |
| American Legion (C.P. Van Delist) | Author of letter barring Mitchell Baseball | Judge ruled statements were not defamatory |
| Nexstar Media Group (KELO-TV) | Published letter in news coverage | Included in ruling; not liable |
| Forum Communications (Mitchell Republic) | Published letter in news coverage | Included in ruling; not liable |
What comes next
The court's decision resolves the defamation claims brought in this civil action, but it does not alter the underlying criminal case referenced in the letter. The judge's ruling focused on whether the statements as published met the legal threshold for defamation, not on the merits of the criminal allegations that prompted the American Legion's letter.
- Timeline: Letter sent November 2024; lawsuit filed July 2025; judge ruled in favor of defendants in 2026.
- Parties involved: Plaintiff Peyton Mandel; defendant American Legion (C.P. Van Delist); media defendants Nexstar Media Group (KELO-TV) and Forum Communications (Mitchell Republic).
- Key quote: The Mitchell Republic's editor celebrated the ruling as a win for journalism.
Attorneys for the parties and the court documents detailing the judge's full reasoning were not included in the materials reviewed for this report. The ruling underscores how courts balance protection of reputation against freedom of the press and statements by private organizations in matters that draw public attention.
— Hannah Steele, WE NEWS
