The publisher of Marion County Record, Eric Meyer, shared in an interview that their newspaper’s recent victory against a bullying incident proves that standing up for what is right can lead to success. Marion County, Kansas, has agreed to pay over $3 million following a court-approved settlement over a controversial police raid on the newspaper’s offices in 2023. The sheriff’s office issued an apology as part of the agreement.
The raid, which included a search of reporters’ desks and seizure of electronic devices, also extended to the home of Eric Meyer’s 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, who passed away the day after the incident due to sudden cardiac arrest. Eric Meyer attributes her death to the stress induced by the raid. Police body camera footage captured Joan Meyer’s distress during the raid at her home.
The police action stemmed from suspicions that the newspaper had unlawfully accessed a local restaurateur’s driving record while investigating her application for a city liquor license. Additionally, the home of a city council member was also raided, who was accused of sharing the driving record with the city manager. Eric Meyer clarified that the newspaper had obtained the information legally and decided not to publish it, as it was deemed not in the public interest.
The raid occurred after the newspaper published an investigative piece on the police chief, Gideon Cody, who later resigned and is facing legal charges. Subsequent reviews by special prosecutors revealed that the newspaper and its staff had not committed any crimes, and the search warrants were based on inaccurate information.
As part of the settlement, Marion County will compensate the estate of Joan Meyer, Eric Meyer, former reporters, and the business manager of the newspaper. The former city council member involved in the incident will also receive a portion of the settlement. The sheriff’s office issued an apology acknowledging the errors in executing the warrants.
Eric Meyer highlighted that the incident in Marion County reflects a broader issue of powerful individuals intimidating journalists for simply carrying out their journalistic duties. He emphasized the importance of combating such actions to uphold press freedom and journalistic integrity.