Illinois teacher sues 'Three Cups of Tea' author

[June 21, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A former teacher in Illinois has joined efforts to get a class-action lawsuit approved against "Three Cups of Tea" author Greg Mortenson since reports questioned the book's accuracy.

Deborah Netter of Lake County filed a federal lawsuit this month in Illinois claiming Mortenson, his co-author and his publisher violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

Two Montana lawmakers have filed a similar claim there claiming they were duped into buying Mortenson's best-selling book and donating to his charity based on lies they thought were true.

Both lawsuits are seeking class-action status so they can be joined by the millions of people who bought Mortenson's books, heard his speeches or donated to his charity.

An email seeking comment was sent to Mortenson representative on Monday.

[Associated Press]

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