Jury Finds in Favor of Sheriff Travis Ash in Lawsuit Filed by Adam Nilsson
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, September 28th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On September 26, 2023, federal jurors returned a verdict in favor of Sheriff Travis Ash after listening to nearly two days of testimony in Adam Nilsson v. Baker County, Oregon, et al.
Adam Nilsson originally filed suit against Baker County and Sheriff Travis Ash, the merits of which stemmed from a criminal incident occurring on August 1, 2017 where Nilsson was cited for criminal trespass while in possession of a firearm and criminal mischief. Ashley Schroder, of Portland, was also criminally charged. The incident occurred at the abandoned lime plant near Huntington, which Baker County owned. At the time of the criminal act, Nilsson was a Baker City councilor. The lawsuit claimed that Sheriff Ash violated Nilsson’s constitutional rights pertaining to the First, Second and Fourth amendments.
In 2022, a U.S. magistrate judge recommended that a motion for summary judgment filed by the defendants be granted regarding the alleged violation of Second and Fourth amendment rights. A senior U.S. District judge agreed with the recommendation and dismissed those claims against Sheriff Ash. Nilsson’s claim that his First Amendment rights were violated was allowed to proceed to trial. On September 25th, a jury trial commenced where Nilsson represented himself. Jurors returned a verdict in favor of Sheriff Travis Ash.
Sheriff Ash stated, “Today, justice was served. I am pleased with the verdict the jurors returned. Throughout this lawsuit, I vehemently denied the claims that Mr. Nilsson has made against myself and this office. As Baker County Sheriff, I have consistently worked to earn the public’s trust and will continue to do so.”
