The recent $3 million judgment stemming from the raid on the Marion County Record is “a major and increasingly infrequent victory for freedom of the press,” the newspaper stated after the victory.

The Raid

On August 11, 2023, police in Marion County, Kansas raided the offices of the Marion County Record, a weekly newspaper known for its watchdog reporting. But the raid didn’t stop at the newsroom.

Police also stormed the home of editor and publisher Eric Meyer, which he shared with his 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, the paper’s co-owner. Officers also raided the home of Ruth Herbel, a city council member and former vice mayor.

Charge All Your Devices at Once: 5-in-1 Fast Charging Station w/ Wireless Charging

Herbel was accused of sharing information with the newspaper regarding a local restaurant owner’s driving record. Work on that story prompted the police allegations that the newspaper was suspect suspecting of using identity theft and computer crimes to get information.

During the raid, officers seized computers, phones, and reporting materials, effectively disrupting the paper’s operations and raising alarms nationwide about press freedom and abuse of power.

The Settlement

In November 2025, Marion County agreed to a $3.05 million settlement. According to the Record, the county’s insurance covered $3 million, and the additional $50,000 was included to ensure the county came out of pocket with some cash but not enough to pushing the county into bankruptcy.

Here’s how the settlement breaks down:

• $650,000 to Ruth Herbel, whose computer and cellphone were seized. Her husband’s dementia reportedly worsened due to the stress of the raid.
• $600,000 to reporter Phyllis Zorn, who retired immediately after the judgment. Her cellphone was seized, and she reportedly suffered aggravation of a medical condition.
• $250,000 to reporter Deb Gruver whose cellphone. She retired shortly after the raid, citing the stress of working in Marion at that time..
• $200,000 to Eric Meyer, whose home was raided and whose computers and cellphone were taken.
• $1 million to the estate of Joan Meyer, who died of a heart-attack shortly after the raid.

These amounts are before legal fees and taxes are deducted, the Record reported.

Apology & Statement of Wrongdoing

As part of the settlement, the county accepted the court judgment, issued a public apology, and agreed to include a formal statement acknowledging that wrongdoing likely occurred. The statement reads:

“This likely would not have happened if established law had been reviewed and applied prior to the execution of the warrants.”

The Record pushed for this language to be included, hoping it would serve as precedent in future cases where officials might argue that laws protecting newsrooms are ambiguous. As attorney Bernie Rhodes put it:

“This is a first step—but a big step—in making sure that Joan Meyer’s death served a purpose… in making sure that the next crazed cop who thinks they can raid a newsroom understands the consequences are measured in millions of dollars.”

The Fight Isn’t Over

While the settlement with the county is a milestone, it’s not the end of legal road in this case.

Three federal civil lawsuits remain active against the city of Marion, former Mayor David Mayfield, former police chief Gideon Cody, and former officer Zach Hudlin.

Cody is also facing criminal charges for allegedly attempting to persuade a witness to destroy evidence—adding another layer of gravity to the case.

This case is more than a local scandal—it’s a national warning. For journalists and creators, it’s a call to stay vigilant, defend press freedoms, and remember that even small-town reporting can be power moves.

For More Like This, Listen To:

Small Media vs. Govt–The Little Guys Win

Listen to “Small Media vs. Government: The Little Guys Win” on Spreaker.