BANGOR – A fake wanted poster displayed on a store cash register that has triggered a defamation lawsuit was a practical joke played by the owner of an Etna variety store, according to the store owner’s attorney.

Brad Graves of Etna sued Ronald Hicks, owner of the Country Corner Variety, last week in Penobscot County Superior Court, claiming that Hicks damaged his reputation by displaying the poster that labeled him a “terrorist.”

Hicks’ lawyer characterized the lawsuit as “ridiculous,” saying the poster was created as a harmless joke by his client and was aimed at a frequent customer whom he regarded as a friend.

The poster included a photograph of Graves with the words “Mohammed Abdul Graves, suspected leader of the outlaw organization Extreme Activist Terrorism Militia of Etna” or “EATME” under his picture, according to court documents.

The poster also allegedly stated that Graves was “Assumed to be armed and dangerous.”

Hicks declined comment on the suit, referring calls to his attorney, Terence Harrigan of Bangor.

Harrigan said Hicks thought he had a good relationship with Graves and sometimes loaned him money for gasoline and cigarettes.

The lawyer said the prank took shape when someone brought in a picture of Graves, who was wearing camouflage and standing in a cornfield. Hicks prepared what he thought was a humorous caption and was planning to give the picture to Graves when he stopped in, Harrigan said.

When Graves didn’t show up, Hicks put the picture on the cash register, Harrigan said. He said Hicks took it down immediately when he found that Graves was not amused.

“It was a joke,” Harrigan said. “It was a joke he thought a friend could take.”