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Kansas newspaper raided by police; publisher anticipates federal lawsuit

In Marion County, Kansas, the Marion County Record newspaper was raided by the police on Friday, along with the home of the publisher, Eric Meyer.

Marion Police removed the Marion County Record’s computer file server, other computers, personal cell phones and other equipment, the outlet reported. Officers reportedly injured a reporter and the newspaper’s nearly 100-year-old co-owner died a day after the search.

A search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar claimed probable cause over alleged violations related to identity theft and unlawful acts concerning computers, according to the Kansas Reflector.

The raid appears to have stemmed from an accusation by a restaurant owner, Kari Newell. During a City Council meeting last Monday, she accused the Marion County Record of illegally obtaining information about her and planning to publish a story about her.

Allegations had been made that Newell had lost her driver’s license in 2008 after a drunk driving conviction but continued to drive anyway. She reportedly complained to the police about the Record who subsequently obtained a warrant and conducted the raid.

The paper’s editor confirmed they had been investigating the accusations against Newell.  The tip about may have come through Newell’s estranged husband.

However, the information about her conviction is part of the public record in the state of Kansas.

The Marion County Record, according to an internet posting by the paper on August 9th, is expected to file a federal lawsuit against the city of Marion and those involved in the search for possible violations of state and federal laws.

Publisher Eric Meyer referred to police’s action as “Gestapo tactics” and said, “We will be seeking the maximum sanctions possible under the law.”

Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, said the police raid is unprecedented in Kansas.

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