Chesapeake Counterclaims in Ohio Mineral Rights Dispute

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Chesapeake Exploration LLC has removed a couple's declaratory judgment action over mineral rights to federal court and counterclaimed to enforce lease agreements it says dozens of Ohio residents signed in June 2011. Bruzzese, et ux. v. Chesapeake Exploration LLC, No. 2:12-cv-167 (S.D. Ohio).

The energy firm filed its counterclaim for breach of contract in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio March 1, seeking to affirm the validity of leases it says were signed last year by or on behalf of 81 counter-defendants.

The counter-defendants are members of the F&M Ohio Valley Landowners Group …