District Court Partially Denies Dismissal in Marcellus Shale Royalty Dispute Alleging Affiliate Sales Manipulation and RICO Violations

Bluebeck Holdings alleges SWN Production systematically underpaid royalties on Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale production through affiliate transactions with sister company SES and improper deductions, while SWN reported zero marketing deductions on monthly statements. The Southern District of Texas denied dismissal of breach of contract claims while dismissing all claims against individual defendants including SWN's CEO, CFO, and General Counsel.