This is defamation.
Yes, he can. You have made a statement that another has committed or has been imprisoned for a serious crime. You communicated this to a third party and/or they overhead it. This is slander per se.
But do not worry, for defamation is expensive to take to court and is difficult to prove.
A$$ Saver aka…
Disclaimer:
I hope this is tidbit of fiction is helpful. I am not an attorney. Do not perceive this as legal advice. You should consult an attorney to answer your questions. Do not rely on this advice. Forget you ever read it. You are not a client. I am not an attorney. This is merely babble in the wind. Never use the advice as reasoning in court.
