Marion, Kansas – The ex-police chief from Kansas, responsible for conducting raids on a Marion County newspaper, its reporters, and its 98-year-old co-owner, is set to face criminal charges following an independent probe that uncovered proof of his interference with the legal process.
Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, passed away the day after police visited her home with a search warrant that had been improperly issued. Security footage showed her insisting that the officers “get out.” Subsequently, prosecutors retracted the warrants, citing that former Police Chief Gideon Cody had failed to present adequate evidence to justify their issuance.
The Marion County Record had also filed a lawsuit against the city and various officials, including Cody, the mayor, and the county sheriff, over alleged First Amendment violations.
Following an independent inquiry, special prosecutors announced on Monday their intention to charge Cody, who stepped down last year, with obstructing the judicial process, according to a report by the Kansas City Star.
Special prosecutors Marc Bennett, the Sedgwick County District Attorney, and Barry Wilkerson, the Riley County Attorney, also determined that neither the newspaper nor its reporters had engaged in any criminal activities prior to the raid.
The report reveals the raid probably contributed to Meyer’s death; however, the officers involved were not found to be criminally liable.
“The findings will be incorporated into charges which will be sought in Marion County District Court,” the report said.
The report briefly mentions text messages exchanged between Cody and the Newell following the raid. Newell claimed that Cody requested her to delete the messages, expressing concern that people might misinterpret their relationship.
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The Marion County Record had also reportedly been investigating other allegations about Cody’s law enforcement background at the time of the raid.
The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct, as part of a separate action, had also cleared the magistrate judge who first signed the warrants. Judge Laura Vair’s seized secret explanation was also obtained by the Kansas Reflector.
Before the incident, reporters at the paper investigated claims that Kari Newell, a candy shop owner, had driven with a suspended license due to a previous DUI. The paper was later accused of identity theft and illegal computer access, resulting in the seizure of computers, smartphones, and other equipment.
Although reporters had looked into Newell’s DUI, they had not published any story, as editors identified a potential conflict of interest with the initial source. Following the raids, the paper disclosed that their tipster also claimed police were aware of Newell’s suspended license but chose to overlook it when she was caught driving.
Meyer, before her passing, reportedly characterized the police department’s actions as “Hitler tactics.”
