The Marion County Record, a newspaper in Kansas that the police raided last week, is getting its equipment back from local law enforcement, the county’s top prosecutor said on Wednesday.
Joel Ensey, the Marion County attorney, said in a statement that there was insufficient evidence to justify the search of The Marion County Record and seizure of its journalists’ equipment.
“As a result, I have submitted a proposed order asking the court to release the evidence seized,” he said.
“I have asked local law enforcement to return the material seized to the owners of the property.”The police and county sheriff’s deputies raided the newspaper’s office, the home of its owner and editor and the home of a city councilwoman on Friday — collecting computers, cellphones and other materials.
It is extremely rare for law enforcement authorities in the United States to search and seize the tools to produce journalism.
Persons:
Joel Ensey, ”, “
Organizations:
Marion County
Locations:
Marion, Kansas, Marion County, United States