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The courtroom drama swirling around Bang Energy’s Chapter 11 saga hit a hard stop this week, as a federal judge dismissed an explosive lawsuit by John Owoc, the ousted CEO and owner of Bang’s parent company, Vital Pharmaceuticals. Owoc had accused U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Peter D. Russin of judicial bias and constitutional violations during the energy drink company’s turbulent bankruptcy proceedings — but the court wasn’t buying it.

Judicial Immunity Slams the Brakes on Owoc’s Claims

In a decisive ruling issued Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz sided with Russin, affirming that every action taken by the bankruptcy judge was “a normal judicial function” squarely within the boundaries of the law.

“All of the acts occurred or sprang from actions taken in the courtroom,” Judge Leibowitz wrote, making clear that judicial immunity shields Judge Russin from any liability, civil or otherwise.

The dismissal is final. Not only did the court reject the claims, it barred Owoc from refiling the lawsuit — shutting down his legal offensive for good.

From CEO to Plaintiff: A Tumultuous Legal Showdown

The lawsuit, filed pro se by Owoc, painted a fiery picture of judicial overreach, with accusations flying that Judge Russin had violated First, Fourth, Fifth, and 14th Amendment rights and engaged in a RICO conspiracy.

Owoc’s demands were sweeping: the return of personal property, a court declaration of rights violations, an injunction against further harm, and removal of the judge from the bench. But the court labeled his case legally hollow.

Six Strikes: The List of Grievances

Judge Leibowitz’s ruling outlined six key allegations from Owoc:

1. Seizure of his personal computer

2. Exclusion of testimony during bankruptcy hearings

3. Approval of legal fees in the Chapter 11 case

4. Court-mandated social media actions and sanctions

5. Ban on bringing electronics into the courthouse

6. Allegedly defamatory statements in court records and public filings

Still, the court concluded that none of these acts fell outside Judge Russin’s official duties.

The Bankruptcy Backdrop: Bang’s Fall and Monster’s Rise

Bang’s parent company, Vital Pharmaceuticals, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2022, citing the need for “breathing room” from a flood of litigation. But the legal heat turned inward in March 2023, when the company’s board terminated both Owoc and his wife, Megan Owoc, who was then senior VP of marketing.

Despite being ousted, Owoc remained the 100% shareholder. He accused Judge Russin of retaliatory conduct throughout the bankruptcy, including approving the sale of Vital to Monster Energy for $362 million — a deal Owoc argued grossly undervalued the company, especially compared to a rival offer from Keurig Dr Pepper.

Why the Suit Failed: Legal Gaps and Procedural Errors

The ruling detailed several fatal flaws in Owoc’s complaint:

• Judicial immunity rendered Judge Russin untouchable for actions tied to his courtroom role.

• Section 1983 claims against federal judges are invalid, as they apply only to state officials.

• RICO allegations lacked a credible narrative of racketeering or enterprise involvement.

• Improper service of legal documents to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Attorney General rendered the official capacity claims defective.

Moreover, Judge Leibowitz rebuffed Owoc’s plea to remove Judge Russin from the bench, noting:

“This court simply cannot do that; it has no power to do so under any set of facts.”

No Comment, No Backing Down

Neither Owoc nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, which represents Judge Russin, responded to press inquiries on Tuesday. Owoc continues to represent himself, undeterred by the latest legal setback.

Judge Russin is represented by Mary Beth Ricke and Steven R. Petri of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.