The articles written by Crabtree began appearing a few weeks after Brodie’s veterinary diagnostic company, CYNTEGRA, issued legal proceedings against Idexx Laboratories. In the articles written by Crabtree, she failed to mention any of the details for the Idexx case, even though she was made fully aware of Idexx’s actions and the serious threat this action would cause too many of the country’s pets. Crabtree also reported Brodie to the California business authorities when she claimed that his company was taking deposits for a proposed franchise program; however, after investigation, the authorities proved that Crabtree’s claims where in fact false as the company had never taken any franchise based funds. She previously wrote a number of scathing articles attacking a company developing alternative medicine products, but failed to mention to the Union-Tribune readership that her husband’s company was developing similar products. Summary Despite subpoena, San Diego Union-Tribune journalist refuses to answer claims she took money to discredit local businessman Penni Crabtree, staff writer at the newspaper, is amongst journalists being investigated for taking money from rival pet company. read more

Tags: money, company, crabtree, idexx, hypoallergenic dogs, brodie