Investigative journalist Mandy Matney starts today's episode by sharing more on the newly announced Hulu series "untitled Murdaugh murders," starring Patricia Arquette, focusing on elevating female voices and corruption in South Carolina. So hooray for Hollywood!

Then, Journalist Eric Meyer joins Mandy Matney and attorney Eric Bland to discuss the aftermath of a controversial raid on his Marion Kansas newspaper office and his home where his 98-year-old mother died following the raid. Led by disgraced police chief Gideon Cody, the warrant search aimed to intimidate the press and silence critical voices. Meyer detailed the legal and community fallout, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting press freedoms. 

Attorney Eric Bland, Mandy Matney, and Eric Meyer pull no punches in this jaw-dropping interview on the state of journalism, the laws that should have protected the newspaper, and the fight to get justice for his mother’s death. 

The incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the mayor, sheriff and police chief, and was later found to be a misguided attempt to intimidate Meyer and his newspaper. The search warrant was improperly executed, and the subsequent investigation revealed significant procedural errors and potential misconduct. This is a must-listen episode that sheds light on the challenges facing small-town newspapers and independent journalists like ourselves... If you believe in freedom of the press… this episode with blow your mind… 🤯 

Let's Dive In... 

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Marion County Record's Website

Marion Kansas Raid report from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation

February 2024 Corruption Watchlist - Local police chief resigned following the surprise raid of a family-run newspaper based in Marion, Kansas on Aug.11, 2023

April 2024 Corruption Watchlist - First Amendment lawsuit in federal court against local authorities

June 2024 Corruption Watchlist - Former Vice Mayor of Marion Kansas and Councilwoman Ruth Herbel filed a federal lawsuit with the Institute of Justice against city officials over an “illegal” raid of her home. 

August 2024 Corruption Watchlist- - Police Chief Charged With Felony Obstruction In Marion County Record Newspaper Raid

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*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys.

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