Nikola Founder Milton's New Lawsuit Alleges FBI Agent Ran Smear Accounts, But Independent Probe Casts Doubt Amid Lingering Fraud Legacy

Trevor Milton, pardoned in 2025 after his 2022 conviction for securities and wire fraud related to Nikola Corp., filed a federal lawsuit on October 13, 2026, in Utah district court against FBI Special Agent Christopher S. Essick and whistleblower Paul Lackey. The complaint alleges the pair conspired via anonymous X accounts (@CntrlScrut1nizr and @lfxs1212) to intimidate potential defense witness Jason Roycht ahead of Milton's trial, contributing to Roycht's reluctance to assist the defense. Milton claims Essick operated the accounts while taking positions adverse to Nikola stock.

An October 22, 2026, investigation by Activ8Insights directly challenges these claims. Reporters interviewed the account operator, who provided government-issued ID, vehicle registration, and insurance documents in a different name, and demonstrated live control of both accounts during a video call. The individual denied any connection to Essick or the FBI. Milton responded that his team had evidence linking Essick and suggested possible account transfers.

The suit raises jurisdiction questions, as no parties reside in Utah and references to a @life_utah account were disputed by its operator. This follows Milton's December 2025 loss in a New Jersey appeals court, where his trade libel claims against CNBC and Hindenburg Research were dismissed as time-barred defamation claims, resulting in orders to pay over $556,000 in fees.

Milton's 2022 conviction stemmed from exaggerated claims about Nikola's technology and orders, amplified by a 2020 Hindenburg report that tanked investor confidence. His March 2025 pardon by President Trump, after significant campaign donations, spared him prison time and restitution demands exceeding $660 million. Ongoing skepticism toward EV innovators like Nikola, compounded by allegations of misconduct and counter-allegations of overreach, continues to erode public and investor trust in emerging clean-tech sectors.