Lawrence county prosecutor invest $50,000 in recovery center raises ethical concerns

By RCN

LAWRENCE COUNTY, OH— Newly released court documents reveal that Lawrence County Prosecutor Brigham Anderson invested $50,000 in a local recovery center called Rise Up. The documents, obtained from a lawsuit involving the Phoenix Center and its former employees, shed light on an ongoing legal dispute.

The case pits Phoenix Center owners—Jim Kratzenberg, Lawrence County Commissioner Deanna Holliday, and her husband—against former Phoenix Center employees and founders Eddie Philabaun, John Adkins, Shannon Bishop, and Prosecutor Brigham Anderson.

The lawsuit revolves around CEO compensation agreements and alleged failures by the Phoenix Center to honor contractual obligations. According to court filings, the agreements included incentive-based pay of 3% of total revenue. Philabaun, Adkins, and Bishop allege that the Phoenix Center has failed to uphold these agreements.

In September 2021, Eddie Philabaun, John Adkins, and Shannon Bishop, along with Prosecutor Brigham Anderson, formed Rise Up Recovery. Each of them initially invested $50,000 in the venture.

Ethical questions arise

The case raises ethical concerns about Prosecutor Anderson’s involvement in the recovery center. Court documents reveal that clients were referred to Rise Up when the Phoenix Center reached full capacity or was unable to provide the required services.

The lawsuit alleged that Rise Up was “stealing” clients from the Phoenix Center. However, these claims were ultimately deemed unfounded.

Ethical dilemmas for the prosecutor

The case highlights potential conflicts of interest for Prosecutor Anderson. Specifically, questions have been raised about whether he has financially benefited from cases linked to the Lawrence County court system.

Was the Lawrence County Prosecutor profiting from his dual roles as a public official and part-owner of a recovery center? That remains the $50,000 question.

Sources:

1. Lawrence County, Ohio Clerk’s Office

2. Court Filing: 04/05/2024, 11:38 AM

Clerk of Courts:Mike Patterson

Judge: Andrew P. Ballard

Case No. 24OC000234

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