ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A Florida judge says that a defamation lawsuit filed against Casey Anthony can go to trial early next year.

Judge Lisa Munyon released her ruling Thursday following motions last month by both the defendant and plaintiff seeking summary judgment.

Zenaida Fernandez-Gonzalez claims she was damaged by Anthony telling detectives that a baby sitter named Zenaida Fernandez-Gonzalez had kidnapped her 2-year-old daughter Caylee. The detectives were investigating the girl's 2008 disappearance. Anthony was acquitted of Caylee's murder last year.

Anthony's attorney claim details that Anthony offered about the accused baby sitter did not match Fernandez-Gonzalez and clearly showed Anthony wasn't talking about her.

Gonzalez's attorneys contend she was still damaged as only person with that name interviewed by investigators.

Munyon ruled it's a jury question that must be answered at trial.