Milton Drops Utah Lawsuit Against FBI Agent
Trevor Milton's attorneys voluntarily dismissed a federal suit accusing an FBI agent and a Nikola whistleblower of witness intimidation.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Financial Crime
Attorneys for former Nikola founder Trevor Milton voluntarily dismissed his Utah federal lawsuit on October 30, 17 days after filing it. The complaint had alleged that an FBI agent and a Nikola whistleblower conspired to intimidate a potential defense witness before Milton's fraud trial.
Why it matters
The dismissal removes a legal challenge that had accused a federal agent of interfering with a criminal defense. Because it was dismissed without prejudice, the claims could still be refiled.
The lawsuit was filed October 13 and voluntarily dismissed October 30 without prejudice, meaning it may be refiled. No court has ruled on the allegations, which remain unproven.
The players
Trevor Milton
Trevor Milton is the former founder and executive chairman of electric truck maker Nikola, who was convicted of fraud related to misleading investors about the company's technology and business prospects.
Essick
Essick is an FBI agent named in the lawsuit, which accuses him of controlling anonymous social media accounts that criticized Milton and Nikola.
Paul Lackey
Paul Lackey is a Nikola whistleblower named in the complaint as having allegedly conspired with the FBI agent to intimidate a potential defense witness.
The details
The October 13 complaint accused FBI agent Essick and whistleblower Paul Lackey of controlling two anonymous X accounts that criticized Milton and Nikola and discussed bets against Nikola stock. Milton said the activity contributed to former Nikola executive Jason Roycht declining to meet with his defense lawyers.
Timeline
October 13: Milton files the complaint in federal court in Utah.
October 30: Milton's attorneys voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit.
Legal Context
The suit follows Milton's 2022 fraud conviction over misleading statements about Nikola's technology and prospects. Its dismissal leaves unresolved whether defendants can challenge the conduct of federal investigators in parallel civil actions.
The dismissal means the allegations against the FBI agent and whistleblower will not be decided in this court for now. Utah residents following the case can expect no ruling on the claims unless the suit is refiled.
The takeaway
Voluntary dismissals without prejudice do not end a legal dispute, so readers should watch for any refiling of claims in federal court. Allegations in a complaint are not findings, and the merits remain untested.
Further reading
Explore more financial crime coverage in Utah.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TokenPost.
