A lawsuit filed in Saline County Circuit Court by sheriff candidate Richard Friend alleges that false statements made during the 2026 primary election damaged his reputation and campaign, while one of the defendants is asking the court to dismiss the case.
Court records show that Friend is represented by attorney Jennifer Lancaster, while Cooper is represented by attorney Clint Lancaster. Public records indicate the two attorneys are involved in separate divorce proceedings filed in August 2025, with hearings currently scheduled for August 2026.
Friend filed a verified complaint March 10, 2026, against Rick Cross, Kevin Cooper, and five other unidentified defendants, claiming defamation, false light invasion of privacy, tortious interference, and other allegations tied to statements made during the Republican primary for Saline County sheriff.
According to the complaint, Friend alleges that the defendants published and shared false accusations of criminal conduct and professional misconduct through social media, including a lengthy video released shortly before early voting. The complaint says that the statements were presented as factual and were intended to influence voters during the election.
The filing alleges that the statements included claims of corruption, abuse of authority, and other misconduct, and that they were made without supporting evidence. Friend contends the statements harmed his reputation, campaign prospects, and standing in the community.
According to the complaint, Richard Friend is seeking more than $750,000 in damages. That breaks down to at least $250,000 in compensatory damages where Friend claims there was damage to his reputation, as well as emotional distress, and harm to his campaign and professional standing.
The second part of the ask is more than $500,000 in punitive damages due to what the complaint describes as willful and malicious conduct by the defendants.
Finally, the filing seeks attorney’s fees and costs, along with injunctive relief which would stop further statements.
On March 18, 2026 defendant Kevin Cooper filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the complaint fails to state sufficient facts to support its claims.
The motion asserts that the statements in question are protected by free speech and that “truth is always a defense,” while also arguing that the complaint does not clearly identify which defendant is responsible for specific actions.
Cooper’s filing asks the court to dismiss the case or, alternatively, require a more definite statement from the plaintiff. Cross and others still have until mid-April to answer the suit.
Friend advanced to a runoff election versus Dustin Robertson, who is currently serving as Chief Deputy at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. Robertson is not named in the lawsuit.
The case remains pending in Saline County Circuit Court, where a judge has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss.
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