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DES MOINES — A southeast Iowa landowner claims he was offered the services of a prostitute in exchange for allowing a crude oil pipeline to go through his property.
Hughie Tweedy of rural Montrose told reporters Monday that a regional representative of Dakota Access LLC on three separate occasions offered “the sexual services of a woman” if Tweedy would allow the pipeline to run through his property.
Negotiating with farmers for property rights can be difficult -- and greasing the wheels to make sure you get the right deal can be a bit of tough negotiating. If you've ever listened to a swap-talk or tradeo on the AM dial in the midwest, you know people who value a dollar.
The idea of trading sex for land rights, though, harkens back to a different era in the midwest.
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Tweedy said he does not want the pipeline to run through his property, and as a self-described Libertarian, he does not think the government should force him to acquiesce via eminent domain.
Tweedy said he has expressed his position multiple times to Dakota Access officials. Tweedy said the company’s regional representative offered “a $1,200 teenage prostitute” in exchange for his cooperation.
The offer, which Tweedy refused is currently under investigation by Dakota Access who contends they are very concerned about issues of potential impropriety by their subcontractors.
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“We are aware of allegations that have been made concerning the conduct of an employee of one of our contractors,” Dakota Access spokeswoman Vicki Anderson Granado said in an emailed response. “We take these types of matters very seriously and are investigating further.”
Tweedy said he recorded two of the face-to-face conversations over beers. He said his lawyer recommended he not play the recording for the media because it may be used in possible future litigation. He said he would be willing to give them to state investigators if subpoenaed.
Should Mr. Tweedy produce the audio recordings in which a sub contractor offers sexual services for a fee, it may be one of the first opportunities to test corporate personhood, and to see if Dakota Access, or their contractor, can be hauled in as a pimp.