The suit says that Meramec became the drug treatment provider to Franklin County’s drug court in 2000.

It says that at some point in 2013 or before, Grellner began using participants in criminal investigations by threatening to get them kicked out of the program if they didn’t cooperate. It also says Grellner was motivated by a desire to rid the county of drug crime and get elected sheriff.

Use of participants as informers forced them to associate with drug users and drug dealers, making success in the program more difficult, the suit says.

It also claims Grellner used participants as campaign aides.

The suit says that after Ken Allen noticed that participants were failing drug tests and missing counseling sessions and drug court dates, he confronted Grellner.

Grellner and then Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Bartlett met with OSCA to persuade the court system to terminate Meramec, and spread false rumors, the suit says.

OSCA did end the agreement with Meramec nine months early, effective in September 2013. The suit does not say if the Allens were given a reason.

Bartlett did not return a message seeking comment.