Kansas County To Pay $3M for Raid On Newspaper Office

Marion County, Kansas, will pay more than $3 million and issue a formal apology to settle lawsuits over a 2023 police raid on the Marion County Record, a small-town weekly newspaper.

The $3.095 million settlement—announced November 10, 2025—resolves four federal lawsuits stemming from the August 11, 2023, raid that seized computers, phones, and files from the newsroom and homes of publisher Eric Meyer and a city official. 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office also expressed “regret” for the “unintended consequences” of the operation, which sparked national outrage over press freedom.

Publisher Eric Meyer receives $1.5 million, including a direct $50,000 county payment and a regret statement. City Council Vice President Ruth Herbel gets $650,000 with a similar apology. Reporter Phyllis Zorn is awarded $600,000, and former reporter Deb Gruver receives $250,000. Insurance covers most of the payout.

The raid, led by then-Police Chief Gideon Cody, followed the Record’s investigation into a local restaurant owner’s DUI record. No charges were filed against the newspaper. 

Cody later resigned and faces felony obstruction charges. Meyer’s 98-year-old mother, Joan, died of a heart attack the day after her home was searched; he blames the stress.

The case drew condemnation from journalism groups and the U.S. Justice Department, highlighting threats to rural newsrooms. The settlement is seen as a victory for press rights and a warning to local officials.