Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: RISK - Risk

Directors' Update: TBD

Business Meeting: Sept. 9, 2025

Summary:

Authorizing legal defense and indemnity for Brandon Vossen, Samuel R. Schouten, Kelton Wheeldon, Tyler W. Trainer, Erin Willey, Blake W. Teitzel, Cameron Steepy, Colin Mackenzie and Jeff Martin, if any, regarding a lawsuit brought by the Estate of Brandon Blurton - Action No. 3:25-cv-05654

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Becky Butler, David Bailey

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) previously established a process for providing litigation defense and indemnification for County officers and employees in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County employees Brandon Vossen, Samuel R. Schouten, Kelton Wheeldon, Tyler W. Trainer, Erin Willey, Blake W. Teitzel, Cameron Steepy, Colin Mackenzie and Jeff Martin, have been named as defendants in the matter of the Estate of Brandon Blurton - Action No. 3:25-cv-05654, which relates to actions allegedly taken in the course and performance of their duties for Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, Brandon Vossen, Samuel R. Schouten, Kelton Wheeldon, Tyler W. Trainer, Erin Willey, Blake W. Teitzel, Cameron Steepy, Colin Mackenzie and Jeff Martin, and their marital communities, if any, have requested defense and indemnity pursuant to Resolutions 03-042 and 04-164; and

WHEREAS, it appears that the provision of legal defense and indemnity for Brandon Vossen, Samuel R. Schouten, Kelton Wheeldon, Tyler W. Trainer, Erin Willey, Blake W. Teitzel, Cameron Steepy, Colin Mackenzie and Jeff Martin, and their marital communities, if any, is appropriate in the circumstances of this case.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC approves the requests from Brandon Vossen, Samuel R. Schouten, Kelton Wheeldon, Tyler W. Trainer, Erin Willey, Blake W. Teitzel, Cameron Steepy, Colin Mackenzie and Jeff Martin, and their marital communities, if any, for legal defense and indemnity in the above-referenced lawsuit, with the exception of, and subject to review in the event of, any award of punitive damages, based upon actions taken during the course and performance of their duties undertaken on behalf of Lewis County; and the BOCC reserves the right to not indemnify and to revoke its approval should it be discovered that acts or omissions occurred because of actual malice, corruption, fraud, or lack of good faith performance of an official duty, if any; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is hereby requested and authorized to provide or assign legal defense for Brandon Vossen, Samuel R. Schouten, Kelton Wheeldon, Tyler W. Trainer, Erin Willey, Blake W. Teitzel, Cameron Steepy, Colin Mackenzie and Jeff Martin, and their marital communities, if any.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 9th day of September, 2025.