Former Kansas police chief charged with felony obstruction of justice after leading controversial raid on newspaper. Gideon Cody accused of influencing witness to withhold information during investigation. Raid sparked national debate on press freedom in Marion, Kansas. Publisher’s mother died of heart attack day after raid, blamed on stress. Cody potentially a “fall guy” for raid involving multiple officials. Witness claims Cody asked her to delete messages to avoid misinterpretation of professional relationship. Cody justified raid due to alleged identity theft with no evidence found. Federal lawsuit ongoing. Cody not immediately available for comment. Raid based on erroneous conclusion from poor investigation.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/13/marion-county-police-newspaper-raid-charges