The day after the Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced they were taking over as the lead agency in the criminal investigation that led to the raid of a small town newspaper in Marion, the agency has issued a statement that raises some eyebrows. In the statement, the KBI says although the investigation remains open, they have determined, in collaboration with the Marion County Attorney, that the investigation will proceed independently, and without review or examination of any of the evidence seized Friday, August 11th. The statement goes on to say that they will work with the Marion County Record, or their representative, to coordinate a prompt return of all seized items. The move comes after backlash against the police chief, whose department conducted the raid.
Marion Police Chief, Gideon Cody and his officers executed a search warrant on the office of the newspaper as well as the homes of its publisher and a city councilwoman, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation. According to the Kansas City Star, a KBI spokesperson says the agency will review steps already taken by local police and then proceed with the investigation into possible distribution of confidential criminal justice records.
