CJ-2026-00092 - Panoptic LLC v. Anthony Maher, individually & d/b/a A&M Freight Service, LLC

What's This Case About?

Let’s be real: how does a trucking gig turn into a full-blown heist of a trailer so low-budget it wouldn’t even make it onto Storage Wars? Because in Wagoner County, Oklahoma — yes, that’s a real place, and no, it’s not a Western movie set — a seemingly routine service agreement has spiraled into a legal showdown involving fraud, betrayal, and a 2017 utility trailer that’s now the most wanted in the tri-county area. The trailer, valued at just under $9,000, is not just missing — it’s allegedly being used, damaged, and concealed by the very man who was supposed to be hauling loads for the good guys. And now? The plaintiffs want it back — along with $10,000 in damages, because apparently, betrayal doesn’t come cheap.

So who are these players in this roadside drama? On one side, we’ve got Panoptic LLC, a Missouri-based company with a name that sounds like a surveillance startup, and Hidden Water, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation that — despite its poetic name — is in the business of hauling waste under contract with the Indian Health Service. (Yes, that’s a federal agency. No, they’re not hauling sacred water. Probably.) The two companies joined forces to outsource some of the heavy lifting — literally — to a local trucker, Anthony Maher, who runs A&M Freight Service, LLC, a one-man operation (or so it seems) based right there in Wagoner County. They thought they were hiring a contractor. Turns out, they might have accidentally cast the villain in their own low-stakes trucking thriller.

The story starts, as many business deals do, with a contract. On December 3, 2025, Panoptic LLC and Maher’s A&M Freight Service signed a Service Agreement that laid out the rules of the road: Maher would pick up three loads a day, five days a week, from Oklahoma City and deliver them to the Waste Connections landfill in Bartlesville. In return, he’d get up to $700 per load, paid weekly via wire transfer. Standard stuff — if you ignore the fact that Maher allegedly admitted immediately that he didn’t have the right equipment to do the job. No dry van? No problem, said the plaintiffs. They’d buy one. And so, they did. A 2017 utility trailer, VIN ending in 6917, purchased and titled — well, here’s where it gets messy.

The Certificate of Title lists the owner as “PanopticPros LLC” — a name that doesn’t quite match Panoptic LLC, but according to Jennifer Markham, the 100% owner of Panoptic, it’s just a clerical error. She swears under oath that her company owns the trailer. Even messier? The title lists both PanopticPros LLC and Anthony Maher as co-owners. Why? Because Maher allegedly told them he couldn’t insure the trailer unless his name was on the title. So the plaintiffs, perhaps a little too trusting or just desperate to get the contract moving, agreed. Big mistake. Because once the trailer was titled, Maher allegedly stopped showing up for work, failed to deliver loads, and — here’s the kicker — started billing for jobs he never did. Oh, and he refused to give the trailer back.

Now, let’s pause for a second. You loan someone a truck so they can do a job. They don’t do the job. They bill you anyway. And then they keep the truck. That’s not just breach of contract — that’s like borrowing your neighbor’s lawnmower to cut your grass, then charging them for landscaping services while parking the mower in your garage and telling them it’s now yours because you put gas in it once. Legally, this is a three-course meal of wrongdoing. First, breach of contract: Maher allegedly didn’t perform the services he was hired for — no pickups, no deliveries — yet still submitted invoices. Second, conversion: that’s a fancy legal term for “you’re using my property like it’s yours and won’t give it back.” The trailer is worth $8,850, and the plaintiffs say Maher is actively using or damaging it. Third, fraud: they claim he lied about needing his name on the title to get insurance, which — if true — means he set this up from the start. And now, the plaintiffs say they’re losing $500 a day until the trailer’s returned. That’s not just a financial hit — that’s a slow-motion robbery.

So why are they in court? Because they’ve asked — repeatedly — for the trailer back. They want Maher to sign the title over, stop using it, stop hiding it, and stop billing them for ghost deliveries. But he hasn’t. So now they’re asking the court for a Replevin order — which is basically a legal “give it back” hammer — plus money damages, an injunction to stop him from damaging the trailer, and even punitive damages because, let’s face it, this feels personal. The total demand? $10,000. Is that a lot for a trailer and some unpaid work? On paper, maybe not. But when you factor in legal fees, lost business, and the sheer audacity of the alleged scam, it starts to make sense. That $10,000 isn’t just about the trailer — it’s about the principle. And also, probably about not wanting to get played again.

Now, here’s where we, the peanut gallery, get to weigh in. What’s the most absurd part of this whole mess? Is it that a grown man thought he could keep a trailer he didn’t pay for just because his name was on the title? Is it that he allegedly billed for work he never did, like some kind of freight-based freelancing fraud? Or is it that the plaintiffs went through the trouble of buying equipment for a contractor who couldn’t even show up? Honestly, it’s all ridiculous. But the real kicker is the fraud claim. If Maher did lie about the insurance, that’s cold. That’s premeditated. That’s not a misunderstanding — that’s a setup. And if the plaintiffs are telling the truth, then this isn’t just a case about a missing trailer. It’s about someone gaming a system, exploiting trust, and turning a simple hauling job into a personal profit scheme.

Are we rooting for the plaintiffs? Sure — they seem like they got played. But let’s not pretend they didn’t make some questionable choices. Buying a trailer for a contractor? That’s not standard. Letting someone put their name on the title based on a verbal insurance excuse? That’s not due diligence — that’s a red flag parade. Still, none of that justifies keeping someone else’s property or submitting fake invoices. So if the evidence backs up their claims, Maher’s in hot water. And if not? Well, then this might just be a very expensive lesson in “don’t lend your stuff to truckers.”

At the end of the day, this case is a perfect slice of small-time civil court chaos — where the stakes are just high enough to sue, but low enough that you can’t help but wonder if everyone involved should’ve just called a mediator and split the trailer in half. But no. Instead, we’ve got affidavits, replevin petitions, and a trailer on the run. And honestly? We’re here for it. Because in the grand tradition of petty disputes, this one’s got everything: betrayal, machinery, and a title mix-up worthy of a sitcom cold open. Just don’t expect a happy ending — this one’s headed straight for the Wagoner County drama files.

Case Overview

$10,000 Demand Petition

Jurisdiction

District Court, Oklahoma

Filing Attorney

Thomas E. Baker

THE BAKER LAW FIRM, PLLC

Relief Sought

$10,000 Monetary

Injunctive Relief

Plaintiffs

Panoptic LLC business
Rep: THE BAKER LAW FIRM, PLLC
Hidden Water, Inc. business
Rep: THE BAKER LAW FIRM, PLLC

Defendants

Anthony Maher, individually & d/b/a A&M Freight Service, LLC individual/business

Claims

#	Cause of Action	Description
1	Breach of Contract, Conversion, Fraud	Plaintiffs allege that Defendants breached a service agreement, converted a 2017 utility trailer, and committed fraud.

Petition Text

1,777 words

IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WAGONER COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA PANOPTIC LLC & HIDDEN WATER, INC., ) ) ) Plaintiffs, ) Vs. ) Case No. CJ-26-92 ANTHONY MAHER, individually & d/b/a A&M FREIGHT SERVICE, LLC, ) ) Defendants. ATTORNEY LIEN CLAIMED VERIFIED PETITION IN REPLOEVIN, BREACH OF CONTRACT, CONVERSION & FRAUD COME NOW the Plaintiffs Panoptic LLC, a Missouri Company and Hidden Water, Inc., an Oklahoma Corporation, by management, and for their Petition in Replevin allege and state: REPLOEVIN I. Plaintiffs Panoptic LLC, a Missouri Company, and Hidden Water, Inc., an Oklahoma Corporation each does business within Wagoner County, State of Oklahoma. II. Defendants are residents of Wagoner County, do business within the State of Oklahoma, and may be served with process in Wagoner, State of Oklahoma. III. Plaintiff Hidden Water, Inc. does business with the Indian Health Service which requires trucking and hauling services. To complete the contract, both Plaintiffs worked together to schedule needed services and labor. Attached as Exhibit A is a Service Agreement which was offered to A&M Freight Service, LLC. IV. A&M Freight Service, LLC and its owner Anothy Maher both accepted the terms of the Service Agreement but immediately indicated that they did not have the necessary equipment, namely a dry van, to perform the services requested. V. Attached as Exhibit B is a Certificate of Title to the dry van purchased by the Plaintiffs which was made available to the Defendants to perform the contract. (Exhibit A). VI. Defendants also represented they could not insure the trailer unless it was titled to Anthony Maher. This was a material misrepresentation unknown to the Plaintiffs until later when they demanded the return of the trailer. VII. All parties worked under the Service Agreement for some period of time. VIII. Defendants breached the contract, refused to return the dry van and continue to conceal, use, damage or leave unprotected the dry van and/or parts thereof. IX. The dry van is specifically identified as a 2017 utility trailer with the last 4 digits of the vehicle identification number 6917. It has an approximate value of $8,850.00. X. Plaintiffs have demanded the return of the trailer and that Defendants sign the trailer back to them but Defendants continue to refuse the requests. XI. The property was not taken in execution of any Order of Judgment or for the payment of any tax, lien, or amercement assessed against either Plaintiff or by virtue of any Order of Delivery issued under the Statutes of the State of Oklahoma or any other mesne or formal process issued against the Plaintiff. BREACH OF CONTRACT I. Defendants have breached the contract by failing to show up, pick up and deliver the product contracted for hauling. II. Defendants have submitted bills for work that was never done. III. Defendants’ breaches have cost and will cost Plaintiffs $500.00 per day until the trailer is returned to them. CONVERSION Defendants’ continued possession and concealment of the trailer is a conversion of the asset detrimental to the Plaintiffs which has cost them a least $8,850.00. FRAUD Defendants committed fraud in the following respects: I. By misrepresenting that they could not insure this trailer without Anthony Maher’s name being on the Certificate of Title. II. By submitting billing for work never done. WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs pray for: I. An Order of Replevin requiring the Defendants to immediately deliver the dry van to the Plaintiffs without damage. II. For all damages related to the breach of contract between Plaintiffs and Defendants, which now exceed $10,000.00. III. For all damages related to the unlawful conversion of the dry van and its continued concealment, which damages exceed the amount of $10,000.00. IV. An Order of Restraint preventing Defendants from damaging, concealing or using the trailer. V. An Order requiring the Defendants to sign the Certificate of Title back to the Plaintiffs. VI. Money damages for the fraud and misrepresentation committed by the Defendants. VII. For punitive damages. VIII. For a reasonable attorney fee. IX. For costs expended; and for X. All and any other relief which the court deems just and equitable. Respectfully Submitted, THE BAKER LAW FIRM, PLLC BY: THOMAS E. BAKER, OBA #11054 202 S. Cedar Suite A Owasso, Oklahoma 74055 Telephone: (918)274-1818 Facsimile: (918)274-8383 Attorney for Plaintiffs IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WAGONER COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA PANOPTIC LLC & HIDDEN WATERS INC., Plaintiffs, vs. ANTHONY MAHER, individually & d/b/a A&M FREIGHT SERVICE, LLC, Defendants. Case No. ______________ ATTORNEY LIEN CLAIMED AFFIDAVIT STATE OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY OF TULSA ss. I, Jennifer Markham, of lawful age and competent to testify, being first duly sworn, does upon oath, depose and state: I. I am the 100% owner of Panoptic LLC, a company organized and registered under the law of the State of Missouri. II. The Oklahoma Certificate of Title for the dry van incorrectly lists Panoptic LLC as Panoptic Pros LLC. Panoptic LLC is the owner of the dry van. III. I have read the Petition and all allegations and statements made in it are true. FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT. AFFIANT Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public, this 2nd day of February, 2026. Notary Public IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WAGONER COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA PANOPTIC LLC & HIDDEN WATER, INC., Plaintiffs, vs. ANTHONY MAHER, individually & d/b/a A&M FREIGHT SERVICE, LLC, Defendants. Case No. ______________________ ATTORNEY LIEN CLAIMED AFFIDAVIT STATE OF OKLAHOMA ) COUNTY OF TULSA ) ss. I, Dean Markham, of lawful age and competent to testify, being first duly sworn, does upon oath, depose and state: I. I am the 100% owner of Hidden Water, Inc., an Oklahoma Corporation doing business within the State of Oklahoma. II. Hidden Water, Inc. has an ongoing contract with the Indian Health Service which requires labor, loading, driving and delivery services to complete. III. Hidden Water, Inc. purchased the dry van for Panoptic LLC. IV. I have read the Petition and all allegations and statements made in it are true. FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT. Dean Markham AFFIANT Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public, this 25 day of February, 2026. Amy J. Sanders Notary Public SERVICE AGREEMENT Between Panoptic LLC (US DOT Number: 4312049) and A and M Freight Services (US DOT Number: 3543379) This Service Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on this 3rd day of December, 2025, by and between: Panoptic LLC, hereinafter referred to as “Panoptic,” and A and M Freight Services as owner/operator Truck Driver, hereinafter referred to as “Contractor.” Panoptic and Contractor may be referred to individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.” 1. Scope of Services 1.1 Contractor Responsibilities Contractor agrees to perform transportation services for Panoptic LLC as follows: • Pick up loads daily at 7:30 AM, as needed by Panoptic, LLC; • Complete a minimum of (3) loads per day, 5 days a week. Monday through Friday; • Pickups will occur in Oklahoma City (specific addresses to be provided by Panoptic as needed); • Deliver all assigned loads directly to Waste Connections Bartlesville Landfill 83 County Road 2712, Bartlesville, OK 74003; • Perform all services in a professional, safe, and compliant manner consistent with industry standards and applicable laws. 1.2 Equipment & Operation Contractor shall provide his own truck, equipment, fuel, maintenance, and labor required to perform services under this Agreement. 2. Compensation 2.1 Rate of Pay Panoptic LLC agrees to compensate Contractor at a maximum rate of $700 per delivered load. 2.2 Payment Terms Payments shall be made on a weekly schedule (First load will be paid after first delivery via wire). Panoptic, LLC agrees to wire all payments at contactors expense (deducting $20 from total payment) 3. Insurance / Identity Requirements 3.1 Contractor must maintain active insurance coverage, including but not limited to liability, cargo, and any DOT-required coverage, throughout the entire term of this Agreement. 3.2 Contractor shall provide proof of active coverage to Panoptic LLC prior to commencing work and upon any renewal or change during the contract term. 3.3 Contractor shall provide face/back of valid driver’s license. 4. Term & Duration 4.1 This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect ongoing from the date of execution unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 6 of this Agreement. 5. Confidentiality & non-disclosure 5.1 The Parties agree that all confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information exchanged during the term of this Agreement shall remain strictly confidential. 5.2 Such information may not be disclosed to any third party or used for any purpose other than what was intended without prior written consent from the disclosing Party. 5.3 These confidentiality obligations shall survive termination of this Agreement indefinitely. 6. Termination Conditions 6.1 Termination by Either Party Either Party may terminate this Agreement with seven (7) days' written notice to the other Party. 6.2 Termination for Cause Panoptic LLC may terminate this Agreement immediately, without prior notice, for cause, including but not limited to: • Material breach of contract terms; • Failure to deliver work in a timely, safe, or satisfactory manner; • Misconduct, negligence, or violation of any applicable laws or regulations; • Failure to maintain required insurance coverage. 6.3 Upon termination, Contractor shall be paid for only properly completed and delivered loads up to the effective termination date. 7. Independent Contractor Status 7.1 Contractor acknowledges and agrees that he is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, or representative of Panoptic LLC. 7.2 Contractor shall be solely responsible for all taxes, insurance, permits, licenses, and expenses associated with performing services. 8. Governing Law This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma. 9. Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes any prior oral or written agreements regarding the subject matter herein. 10. Amendments Any amendment or modification to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties. 11. Signatures IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Service Agreement as of the dates below. Panoptic LLC By: ______________________________________ Name: ____________________________________ Title: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________________________ Contractor – A&M Freight Services / Anthony Maher Signature: _________________________________ Printed Name: Anthony Maher Date: _____________________________________ CERTIFICATE OF TITLE STATE OF OKLAHOMA VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1UYVS2534HP868917 TITLE NO.: 810017082813 DATE ISSUED: 12-Dec-2025 YEAR: 2017 MAKE: UTIL MODEL: BODY TYPE: TRLR LO NO.: M7317 APPLICATION DATE: 11-Dec-2025 DATE 1st SOLD: TYPE OF TITLE: Original ODOMETER: 0 MAILING ADDRESS: PANOPTICPROS LLC And/Or ANTHONY MAHER 23311 E 690 RD WAGONER OK 74467-6477 NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE VEHICLE OWNER: PANOPTICPROS LLC And/Or ANTHONY MAHER 23311 E 690 RD WAGONER OK 74467-6477 [Signature] Notarized by ____________________________ Commission ________ Date of Issuance: 12-Dec-2025 Assessment/Owner (Relo) or A Licensed Dealer, Place Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Tax Stamp Here ASSIGNMENT OF TITLE: [Signature] Notarized by ____________________________ Commission ________ Date of Assignment: __________________ Actual Present MILEAGE of Vehicle: I certify to the best of my knowledge that the ODOMETER READING/ MILEAGE of the vehicle UNLESS one of the following is checked by me. [ ] METER NOT OPERABLE; [ ] METER NOT READABLE; [ ] MILEAGE UNKNOWN; [ ] OTHER ________________ Signature of Seller(s): Subscribed and Sworn to Before me this ______/_____/_____ Notary Public: ____________________________ Commission ________ Notarization required only if seller's signature was attested hereabove. Signature of Buyer(s):