Updating the controversial Dakota Access pipeline in South Dakota where dozens of Oklahomans once took part in the protests, one farm family has filed suit claiming the company broke its promise to restore its land after construction.
The Slack Family Properties LLC filed suit in South Dakota state court this week and it’s believed to be the first suit of its kind over the construction of the pipeline. Slack is accusing the company of breach of contract, unauthorized taking of property, fraud and deceit.
The suit involves 800 acres and the lawsuit says drain tiles were disconnected by the construction. The family claims two growing seasons’ worth of corn and soybeans were damaged.
In a related story, a Dakota Access Pipeline protester who recently served a 12-day jail sentence has decided to appeal his case.
Alexander Simon was one of the first to do time for convictions connected to the protests. He contends in his appeal that the judge sentenced him to make an example of him.
The judge convicted Simon of misdemeanor physical obstruction of a government function and disorderly conduct.