Restaurant owner to be sentenced in libel case

The scales of justice and a judge's gavel are pictured. (File)

The owner of a restaurant who posed as a reviewer to send sexually explicit e-mails will be sentenced for libel next week.

Elayna Katz dined at Ottawa restaurant Mambo, which specializes in Central and South American cuisine, three years ago.

“The food, the service, there was a couple of things and I really just wanted to bring it to (their) attention,” she said.

After posting two negative reviews on a website, owner Marisol Simoes responded by impersonating Katz on a dating website and sending Katz bosses sexual e-mails while pretending to be her.

“I left my business card there, that’s where my personal information of my work was contained,” Katz said.

“It’s been stressful, it’s been scary, I’ve been afraid . . . countless sleepless nights, countless days of fear, I just hope this is behind me sooner than later.”

Simoes was found guilty of libel and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, although the Crown is asking for 90 days.

The case has captured interest from around the world, from the New York Times to the U.K.’s Daily Mail and even Dr. Phil.

Katz said it’s now up to the court to decide Simoes’ punishment on Nov. 16.

“I’m just happy there’s been that vindication for me from the judge and others,” she said.

With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Vanessa Lee