Lincoln County commissioners this week spent considerable time in executive session discussing a lawsuit filed by the owner of a marijuana grow business against them, the district attorney and his Task Force.
The lawsuit was filed recently in Lincoln County District Court by Rodney Alexander Topkov, owner of Earth Research Labs, located at 106287 S. Quail Valley Driver, McLoud, in Lincoln County.
The lawsuit names as defendants District Attorney Allen Grubb, assistant district attorneys, the three Lincoln County commissioners and the District 23 Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force agents.
County Commission Chairman Lee Doolen said following the executive session there was no action taken.
Court records show that on Jan. 20 the case was removed to the Western District of Oklahoma.
Doolen explained prior to the meeting on Monday attorneys with the county’s insurance company are defending them and those named as defendants in the suit.
The suit is seeking damages in excess of the amount required for diversity jurisdiction, the information states.
In his lawsuit, Topkov alleges that on Aug. 12, 2021, without any prior notice to him and without obtaining a search warrant, the defendants raided his property.
The suit claims more than a dozen police vehicles and numerous officers dressed in military tactical gear participated in the raid.
It further states the defendants proceeded to completely destroy the legally operating marijuana commercial grow business.
The commissioners also spent time in another executive session during Monday’s meeting to discuss Lauren Norberg v. the Board of Lincoln County commissioners. Doolen announced there was no action to be taken at this time.
Commissioners also discussed BIA funded bridges. They were advised that at this time they are to help prioritize four bridges in each of their districts.
Doolen, District 3 commissioner, was informed that three bridges already under contract that were in Carl Munson’s District 1 are now in his district and he needs to choose another at this time.
That is due to the redistricting completed last year that took effect Jan. 1 this year.
Munson and District 2 Commissioner Marlon Miller are to help prioritize four each.
It was explained the county’s cost is to pay for the engineering on the bridges and beams from the old Crosstown Expressway in Oklahoma City are being acquired to use on the bridges.
The commissioners adopted a resolution approving the selection of a consulting engineering for a project to grade, drain and surface OK County Road EW 840 for five miles between NS 339 to SH 18.
They also accepted a REAP grant for District 2 and approved related documents.
Commissioners appointed Chad Imhof to the Fair Board in District 1.
They appointed Jeremy Rich and Jack Vaughn to the Industrial Development Board in District 1.
In other business, the commissioners: Approved the Steeplegate Plat in District 1.
Approved the Stonefork Plat in District 3.
Took no action to continue renting or purchase the Tryon Yard in District 2.
Took no action to set up a new Country Bridge and Road Improvement Fund in District 1.
Approved a Consortium Agreement with Central Oklahoma Workforce.
Adopted a resolution to dispose of Equipment in District 3.
Took no action on setting up a new donation in District 2.
Approved the Purchase Card Payment Approval Form.
Took no action regarding the Fair Board payroll.
Approved new Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Compliance Certificates for Deepleaf Rooted LLC, Legacny Cannabais Farm LLC and Van Pham LLC.