Former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody is set to face a criminal charge following a controversial raid on the Marion County Record newspaper in August 2023.
The raid, which involved the seizure of computers, cell phones, and reporting materials, sparked national outrage and raised concerns about press freedom.
The specific charge against Cody has not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to be related to the raid’s legality.
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Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey withdrew the search warrant that authorized the raid shortly after it occurred, citing insufficient evidence to justify it.
The raid on the Marion County Record came after the newspaper began investigating allegations of misconduct against Cody.
The newspaper’s owner and publisher, Eric Meyer, has been vocal in his criticism of the raid, calling it a blatant violation of the First Amendment.
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