King County has dropped Mercer Island resident Julie Hsieh and Hsieh Investments from a lawsuit regarding illegal tree felling in Issaquah, according to King County Superior Court documents filed on July 3.

In a previous Reporter story, the Mercer Island City Council candidate said there was no evidence that she and Hsieh Investments — two of nine defendants listed in the complaint — were involved in the chopping down of 142 trees on Issaquah public land on or about March 22. King County is pursuing an amount of almost $7 million in damages with the lawsuit.

A statement from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks reads, “On July 2nd, Parks received affidavits from the Cunningham and Popach homeowners stating that they have never met Julie Hsieh, nor have they had any agreements with her or representatives of Hsieh Investments Washington LLC to engage in any work related to the tree cutting in Grand Ridge Park. Given this new information, King County has asked the court to dismiss her from this lawsuit pending further developments.” (The Cunninghams and Popaches are named in the lawsuit, according to court documents.)

Hsieh was a signer on the purchase and sales contract of her parents’ Issaquah retirement home because they were out of town. The Hsiehs’ home rests partially adjacent to the abode where the trees were felled.

Court documents note that King County, “Voluntarily moves to dismiss without prejudice any and all claims asserted by Plaintiff King County against Defendants Julie Hsieh and Defendant Hsieh Investments Washington III, LLC in the above-entitled action and without costs to either party.” Documents add that the plaintiff retains and reserves its right to refile against the pair should it discover additional evidence implicating them in the sought claims and damages.

“I am glad that King County came to quickly understand that my parents and I had no involvement in the tree cutting and dropped my name from the lawsuit. Grateful for many in the community who believed in me and sent me messages of support. So glad I can enjoy the July 4th holiday weekend with family and friends and focus on my campaign for city council of Mercer Island,” Julie said.

In a letter to the Mercer Island community, Julie said, in part, about the situation, “I am not a politician. This is my first time running for public office. Yet for the last week, I was attacked because I was a political candidate.”

The Bellevue family doctor (2007-14), artist and gallery owner added about moving forward: “Strength is born from adversity. Leadership is further developed by overcoming adversity. By overcoming my recent challenge, I know I will be ready to tackle difficult issues facing Mercer Island head on, with confidence and integrity, always looking out for our community and for all Islanders.”