Odessa Businessman Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Oil & Gas Workers Association

ODESSA, TX — Wallace Dunn, a businessman in Odessa, Texas, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Matthew Coday, President of the Oil & Gas Workers Association (OGWA), according to a press release from Dunn and his legal team.

The lawsuit, filed by the Dhillon Law Group on behalf of Dunn, alleges that Coday and the OGWA made false accusations against Dunn, causing significant harm to his personal and professional reputation. The lawsuit seeks over $250,000 in damages per defendant.

Dunn stated that the allegations have caused him considerable emotional distress, impacting both his standing in the community and his personal life. 

“Coday’s and OGWA’s false accusations against me have been extremely disturbing, both personally and professionally – and they are all the more bizarre given that I am an oil and gas worker myself,” stated Dunn. “For years, I have served my community with transparency and integrity, and the defendant’s conduct has not only damaged my standing but also caused immense emotional distress to me and my family. I feel compelled to take legal action not just to clear my name but to send a message — that people cannot engage in this kind of malicious behavior without facing consequences. This lawsuit is about restoring the truth and protecting my reputation.”

Karin Sweigart, counsel for Dunn, stated that Coday’s statements were made with the intent to cause harm, disrupting Dunn’s life and damaging his reputation. 

“Mr. Dunn has been deeply wronged by Mr. Coday’s statements, which are not only false but appear to have been made with the intent to cause him harm,” she stated. “The damage caused by defamation extends far beyond professional reputation. It disrupts livelihoods, causes personal anguish, and casts a long shadow over an individual’s life. We are committed to ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable and that Mr. Dunn’s reputation is restored.”

The legal action, she stated, is aimed at restoring Dunn’s reputation and ensuring that those responsible face consequences for their conduct.

"Mr. Coday’s and OGWA’s public accusations against Mr. Dunn, who has devoted his life to his community, have caused significant distress and have tarnished years of hard-earned respect," Sweigart stated. "This lawsuit is about holding Mr. Coday and OGWA accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served.”

The Dhillon Law Group has made the complaint available for public viewing on their website.