Criminal Podcast Episode Summary: "The Raid"

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Raid" from the acclaimed podcast Criminal, host Phoebe Judge delves into a harrowing story of journalistic integrity, police overreach, and personal tragedy in the small town of Marion, Kansas. This episode not only recounts the events surrounding the raid on the Marion County Record but also draws parallels with a historical incident involving the Stanford Daily, highlighting the persistent tensions between the press and law enforcement.

Background: The Marion County Record and Eric Meyer
Timestamp: 01:07 - 03:19

The episode begins with Phoebe Judge introducing Eric Meyer, the editor and publisher of the Marion County Record, a local newspaper in Marion, Kansas, with a subscriber base of approximately 4,000. Eric assumed his role in 2021, inheriting a legacy from his parents who had run the paper since 1998 to prevent its acquisition by a larger newspaper chain. The Marion County Record prides itself on covering all local happenings, from minor traffic incidents to significant local government actions. Eric recounts his lifelong association with the paper, stating:

Eric Meyer [04:21]: "I started doing menial things like stapling. We had a job printing operation... I became the vacation relief for my parents."

Investigative Reporting and Rising Tensions
Timestamp: 04:43 - 09:33

The narrative intensifies as the Record begins investigating the newly appointed police chief, Gideon Cody. Initially hired with a modest salary of $60,000 and one of three candidates, Cody's past in Kansas City came under scrutiny when multiple sources suggested he was on the verge of demotion due to inappropriate behavior, including "insulting and sexist comments to a female officer." Reporter Deb Groover spearheaded the inquiry into Cody's background. However, when confronted by Cody, the newspaper was threatened with a defamation lawsuit if they proceeded with their findings.

The tension escalates during an open forum hosted by a local Congressman on August 1, 2023, where Carrie Newell, owner of a local coffee shop, violently ejected Eric Meyer and his colleague Phyllis Zorn, citing her disdain for the media's presence. This incident led to a tip received by the Record about Newell's alleged illicit driving history, prompting further investigation.

Eric Meyer [08:00]: "We decided we didn't want to get in the middle of a divorce, but we were a little concerned if the police were aware of this and not enforcing the law."

The Raid: A War on the Press
Timestamp: 09:33 - 17:03

Four days after the open forum, on August 11, 2023, police arrived at Eric Meyer's home armed with a warrant claiming they were searching for evidence related to identity theft and unlawful computer activities. The warrant extended to the newspaper's office, involving at least seven officers led by Chief Gideon Cody. The raid was intrusive, confiscating laptops, hard drives, personal devices, and even the paper’s backup drives.

Joanne Meyer, Eric’s 98-year-old mother, found herself in the midst of the chaos at her own home. The security footage captures her desperate pleas:

Joanne Meyer [12:46]: "Don't you touch any of that stuff, ma'am. This is my house."

The raid lasted over two and a half hours, with officers aggressively searching the premises, later mocking the situation by hosting a pizza party and making dismissive comments about the journalists involved.

Despite the traumatic experience, the Marion County Record published the following week's edition under the resilient headline:

Headline: "Seized but Not Silenced"

This defiant act underscored the newspaper’s commitment to truth and transparency, bolstered by overwhelming community support that surged the paper’s circulation to the 8th largest in Kansas.

Legal and Community Aftermath
Timestamp: 17:03 - 27:29

In the wake of the raid, the police department initially defended their actions via a Facebook post, arguing that the Privacy Protection Act did not shield journalists involved in wrongdoing. However, as legal battles ensued, the Marion County Attorney withdrew the search warrant, citing insufficient evidence. Nonetheless, the police had already made copies of the confiscated data, leading to their destruction despite court orders.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) took over the investigation, ultimately charging Chief Gideon Cody with felony obstruction of justice. Investigations revealed that Cody had coerced Carrie Newell into deleting incriminating text messages, actions he later regretted.

Eric Meyer reflects on the impact:

Eric Meyer [33:42]: "The issue here is not just the raid. It's the idea that law enforcement can be weaponized politically, personally to attack journalists who report things that people don't want to have reported."

Historical Parallel: The 1971 Stanford Daily Raid
Timestamp: 19:35 - 25:29

To contextualize the Marion incident, Phoebe Judge introduces journalist Felicity Barringer, who recounts a similar event from 1971 when the Palo Alto police raided the Stanford Daily amidst coverage of student protests. Despite initial legal victories favoring press freedom, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the police, deeming the raid constitutional. This landmark case, criticized by figures like Walter Cronkite as a move towards a "remote, totalitarian state," spurred the enactment of the Privacy Protection Act in 1980, which restricts law enforcement from using warrants to search newsrooms.

Joanne Meyer [25:29]: "Since the Privacy Protection act passed in 1980, news from raids have been rare until the raid on the Marion County Record."

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Advocacy
Timestamp: 27:29 - 36:42

The episode culminates with reflections on the enduring struggle for press freedom and the personal toll on those involved. Joanne Meyer’s valiant stand during the raid became a symbol of resistance, earning her and Eric posthumous honors, including induction into the Kansas Press Association Hall of Fame.

Eric Meyer emphasizes the broader implications:

Eric Meyer [35:17]: "The issue here is not just the raid. It's the idea that law enforcement can be weaponized politically, personally to attack journalists who report things that people don't want to have reported."

The story of the Marion County Record serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between law enforcement and the freedom of the press, underlining the vital role that local journalism plays in maintaining transparency and accountability within communities.

Key Takeaways

1. Press Freedom Under Threat: The raid on the Marion County Record exemplifies the lengths to which authorities may go to silence investigative journalism, posing significant threats to democratic accountability.

2. Legal Protections are Crucial: Historical parallels with the Stanford Daily raid highlight the importance of legal safeguards like the Privacy Protection Act in shielding journalists from unwarranted governmental intrusion.

3. Community Resilience: The unwavering support from the community following the raid underscores the essential role that local journalism plays and the public’s commitment to maintaining free and independent press.

4. Personal Sacrifice: The tragic loss of Joanne Meyer underscores the profound personal costs that often accompany the fight for truth and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Eric Meyer [08:00]: "We decided we didn't want to get in the middle of a divorce, but we were a little concerned if the police were aware of this and not enforcing the law."

• Joanne Meyer [12:46]: "Don't you touch any of that stuff, ma'am. This is my house."

• Eric Meyer [33:42]: "The issue here is not just the raid. It's the idea that law enforcement can be weaponized politically, personally to attack journalists who report things that people don't want to have reported."

• Joanne Meyer [25:29]: "Since the Privacy Protection act passed in 1980, news from raids have been rare until the raid on the Marion County Record."

Final Thoughts

"The Raid" is a compelling exploration of the intersection between journalism and law enforcement, shedding light on the ongoing struggles to preserve press freedom in the face of political and personal vendettas. Through meticulous storytelling and firsthand accounts, Criminal underscores the indispensable role of local newspapers in safeguarding democracy and championing the truth.