Special prosecutors have announced that former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody will be charged with interfering with the judicial process following the August 11, 2023, raid on the Marion County Record, its owners’ homes, and a former city official’s residence.
The 124-page report reveals Cody’s involvement in questionable text exchanges with local business owner Kari Newell and identifies substantial evidence of obstruction. However, the report clears police of responsibility for the death of Joan Meyer, 98, who died a day after the raid and exonerates the newspaper staff from wrongdoing.
The report also criticizes Cody for a poorly executed investigation and his attempt to retaliate against the newspaper. The Marion County Record is now suing local officials, seeking over $10 million in damages for alleged First and Fourth Amendment violations.
