Man sues sheriff over removal from forum

CLAREMORE — A man filed a lawsuit against the Rogers County sheriff after the sheriff forcefully removed him from public forum about medical marijuana.

Charles “Chip” Paul filed the suit Wednesday against Sheriff Scott Walton in Rogers County District Court. Paul, cofounder and chairman of Oklahomans for Health, is seeking a judgment in excess of $10,000. Paul, in the suit, alleges Walton assaulted and battered him. The suit further alleges that Walton used his official capacity as sheriff to suppress Paul’s speech, retaliate against him and seize him.

“Walton was acting in conspiracy with state actors, including law enforcement by attempting (to) limit public participation in a meeting ... and imposing unlawful time, place and manner restrictions and engaging in prior restraint,” Paul states in the petition.

Paul further alleges that Walton, who was named in the suit individually and in his official capacity, subjected him to an “unreasonable seizure” and retaliated against him for “exercising his rights of free speech, association and assembly.”

Walton could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

On Monday evening, Walton removed Paul from a public forumabout medical marijuana at the Claremore Conference Center. Paul said on Tuesday that he and his wife arrived at the forum late and found seats in the back, according to a previous story.

On Tuesday morning, Walton rebutted Paul’s version of the events. He said a large group of SQ 788 supporters were rowdy and “disruptive to the speakers.”

He said multiple announcements were made indicating there would be time for questions and discussion at the end of the forum, announcements he said were ignored by SQ 788 advocates.

Paul states in the lawsuit petition that he raised his hand to ask a question during a period when other attendees were asking questions.

Paul expressed frustration with some of the information being presented. At that point, Paul said, Walton confronted him.

Walton allegedly grabbed Paul by the neck and escorted him from the building. Video of the altercation shows Walton leading Paul out of the facility with both hands around his neck. As Paul is directed through a set of double doors, it appears that his forehead is pushed into one of them.

The lawsuit further alleges that Walton “utilized a tactical maneuver reserved for subduing individuals in a dangerous condition.”