Lawsuit Recovers $10,000 In Damages To Eufaula Lake Area

Muskogee, Oklahoma - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the Tulsa District United States Army Corps of Engineers announce the settlement of a civil lawsuit between the United States of America, acting on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and a landowner of River Oaks Estates at Eufaula Lake in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma.

The lawsuit alleged that Jeromy Hudson, of Edmond, Oklahoma trespassed, destroyed trees and installed a building on government lakefront property adjoining his property at Eufaula Lake without authorization.

Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Hudson will pay $10,000.00 in damages. The Corps of Engineers reminds the public that any modification to vegetation or the terrain itself on government property without a proper permit issued by the Corps of Engineers is a violation of the law.

Although tree cutting is not permitted, the modification of vegetation may be permitted, by written permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with Eufaula Lake's Shoreline Management Plan and applicable regulations. Any person desiring such a permit should contact the United States Army Corps of Engineers Office at Eufaula Lake before altering government property.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert Gay Guthrie represented the United States.