Testimony ended yesterday in a defamation lawsuit filed against Ohio University, but a verdict is not expected in the case for at least several months.
Bhavin Mehta sued OU in 2006 after the release of a report alleging 11 of his graduate students plagiarized parts of their master's theses. He is one of two former professors suing the university for defamation in the wake of allegations of plagiarism stretching back 20 years.
The trial transcript must be prepared and reviewed before closing arguments, said Fred Gittes, Mehta's lawyer, who estimated closing arguments could take place in March.
The judge will rule on the case after closing arguments but has no deadline, Gittes said.
John Burns, former director of Legal Affairs; Hugh Bloemer, co-author of a controversial two-page report on alleged plagiarism in OU's mechanical engineering program; Dennis Irwin, dean of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology; and Mehta all testified yesterday.
OU President Roderick McDavis, originally on the witness list, was not called to testify. Kathy Krendl, executive vice president and provost, gave lengthy testimony Tuesday and Wednesday.
I believe the testimony was very clear that Dean Irwin and Provost Krendl knew the Bloemer-Meyer report was inaccurate and inappropriate
Gittes said. Even Dr. Bloemer admitted he didn't have any basis for some of what he said (in the report).
Burns, though officially retired, is assisting the university with the case. He could not be reached for comment after testimony ended yesterday.' Dave Hendricks
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