Thirty five foreign investors who paid out over eighteen million dollars into a failed beef processing plant in Aberdeen have sued the state, saying the project was misrepresented.
The suit names the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and a development company that helped solicit the foreign dollars. The investors paid up in hopes of getting a resident US visa under the EB-5 program.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says his office may not be involved because of an earlier criminal investigation…..

Jackley says he has not yet seen the entire legal filing…..

Former state economic development director Richard Benda was the focus of the criminal investigation. He committed suicide in October of 2014, before charges could be filed.

Jackley says his office could be involved if the Governor’s office asks….

Each of the investors put up over five hundred thousand dollars for the project, and a possible visa.