Columbus, Ohio – Former Ohio State University President Ted Carter has formally denied the accusations brought by veteran entrepreneur Paul Hylenski in a lawsuit filed in June. Carter, represented by attorney Austin Richards, asked the court to dismiss the case, which alleges defamation and intentional interference with a business relationship.
Background of the dispute
Hylenski, a disabled veteran and founder of Vet Mentor AI, claims that Carter and podcaster Krisanthe Vlachos improperly benefited from a veterans‑focused app concept. The app was presented to Ohio State and JobsOhio officials in December, and Hylenski says the agencies expressed interest in further meetings.
Ohio State’s prior investigation concluded that Carter used his position to connect Vlachos with investors and other supporters for the app, which university staff had deemed “not viable.” Hylenski disputes that assessment, arguing the statements harmed his reputation and business.
Carter’s response
Through Richards, Carter rejected the allegations where possible and said he lacked sufficient information to answer some claims definitively. He also argued that Hylenski waited too long to bring certain claims and failed to establish a legally enforceable contract that would support the allegations.
Richards further sought damages, characterizing the lawsuit as frivolous. JobsOhio, also named in the suit, filed a separate response denying the allegations and stating it lacked enough information to admit or deny specific claims.
Related litigation
The lawsuit is separate from another case filed by Hylenski’s company, Vet Mentor AI, against Ohio State and Carter in the Ohio Court of Claims. That case alleges the university and Carter caused breaches of commitments and made defamatory statements about Hylenski.
Ohio Attorney General Andrew Wilson, representing Ohio State, asked the court to treat the university and Carter as separate legal entities and to determine that Carter does not have immunity simply because he was a state employee.
Next steps
The Ohio Court of Claims has scheduled a telephone conference for September 14 to address Carter’s immunity and related matters. The proceedings remain ongoing, and no court has yet ruled on the merits of Hylenski’s claims.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
