If my ex employer sent an email to everyone in the data base saying I stole money and was fired, is that grounds for a case? (I did not steal money.

Hi Daniel, If the statement that your employer made is false than you may very well have a claim against him for defamation. The key in a defamation claim is proving that damages resulted from the statement.  If you can't show actual damages, you still likely have a claim because of the nature of the accusation (i.e. criminal or fraudulent conduct) but your claim might not be as strong. Let me know if you would like to discuss. Thanks,Jon