County in Kansas agrees to pay $ 3M, apologize for press attacks

The authorities in Marion County, Kansas, have agreed to pay more than $ 3 million and issued a formal apology to the small town newspaper and raised high alarms of the government and suppressed freedom.

The Marion County Record was attacked after it received information about a local restaurant’s driving record – a safe story at last -I publishing. Days later, police obtained search warrants alleging identity theft and computer crime, seizing computers, telephones and reporting materials from the paper’s office and the home of its publisher, Eric Meyer.

Meyer’s 98-year-old mother, the owner, Joan Meyer, collapsed and died the next day – the loss of her son called the search pressure. The incident drew condemnation from state organizations and First Amendment advocates who said it reflected a growing willingness by government officials to intimidate journalists.

“They want to deliberately torture us by reporting the news, and you shouldn’t do that in a democracy,” Meyer said after the declaration of democracy.

Kansas police raided newspaper office, home of publishers to hold records; The reporter was injured

Two independent prosecutors later found that no crimes had been committed and said the warrants were based on inaccurate information from an “inadequate investigation.”

As part of the settlement, Marion County Sheriff Jeff Soyez issued a written apology acknowledging his office’s role in the raid and expressing “sincere remorse” for Meyer and others targeted.

Former police chief Gideon Cody, who ordered the raid, resigned shortly after and is now facing charges of obstruction of justice for the alleged Pest. He pleaded guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in February.

Meyer said he hopes the outcome will deter future efforts by government officials to retaliate against journalists.

“The goal is not to get money. Money is symbolic,” Meyer said. “The media has been under attack.”

Kansas reporter accepts $235k settlement over police raid on local newspaper

The attack and holding the case has become a lesson in national liberties and accountability, emphasizing how small local houses can withstand government pressures – and how much excesses can exist when they violate constitutional rights.

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The Federal Privacy Protection Act prohibits the police from searching intruders or taking material from journalists, except in rare cases involving alleged criminal mischief – which was protected by local officials at the time.

The accompanying device contributed to this report.