OKLAHOMA CITY – A state representative is questioning the involvement of a state education regent and his involvement with an opioid lawsuit.
State Rep. Collin Walke (D-OKC) called out Oklahoma Regent for State Higher Education Andrew Lester, who is a partner at Spencer Fane law firm. “I am absolutely astounded that a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education is working on behalf of the very people who are responsible for Oklahoma’s opioid nuisance and who is hoping to reduce or completely nullify the historic judgment that will help bring restitution and recovery to our citizens,” Walke said.
Lester filed an entry of appearance on behalf of Johnson and Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the defendants and appellants in the recent opioid trial in Oklahoma. Walke cited the opioid settlement money being utilized in conjunction with Oklahoma State University’s National Center for Wellness and Recovery. He questioned Lester’s loyalty – whether it is the state’s universities, students, and the public at large, or Johnson and Johnson. “If Mr. Lester wins the case for his clients, Oklahomans lose,” Walke said.