Former Kansas police chief facing charges of obstruction of justice for leading raid on newspaper

In Topeka, Kansas, a former police chief from central Kansas, Gideon Cody, is facing charges of felony obstruction of justice. Cody, who previously served as the Marion Police Chief, is accused of persuading a potential witness to withhold information during an investigation into his actions related to withholding information from authorities. The single charge filed against Cody alleges that he knowingly influenced the witness to withhold information around the time of a raid on the Marion County Record and the home of its publisher, Eric Meyer, or within the following six days. The charge was brought in state district court in Marion County on Monday, and while it accuses Cody of obstruction of justice, it does not provide specific details about his alleged conduct.

Two special prosecutors referenced text messages exchanged between Cody and a business owner following the raid on the newspaper. The business owner stated that Cody had requested her to delete text messages between them out of concern that their relationship could be misconstrued, despite her assertion that their interactions were strictly professional and platonic.

Cody defended the raid by claiming to have evidence suggesting identity theft or other computer-related crimes involving the newspaper, its publisher Eric Meyer, and reporter Phyllis Zorn. The alleged offenses revolved around verifying the authenticity of a copy of the business owner’s state driving record provided to the newspaper by an acquaintance. This record reportedly indicated that the business owner had potentially been driving without a valid license for an extended period, although her license was later reinstated.

The special prosecutors’ report concluded that no criminal activities were committed by Meyer, Zorn, or the newspaper. It criticized Cody for reaching a mistaken conclusion due to a flawed investigation. The charge against Cody was filed by Barry Wilkerson, one of the special prosecutors and the top prosecutor in Riley County, Kansas.

Footage from police body cameras during the 2023 raid at Eric Meyer’s residence depicted his 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, visibly distressed and ordering officers to leave her home. Tragically, she co-owned the newspaper, resided with her son, and passed away from a heart attack the following day.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the prosecutors did not bring charges against Cody or other officers involved in the raid concerning Joan Meyer’s death, as they found no evidence suggesting they believed the raid posed a threat to her life. Eric Meyer has attributed his mother’s passing to the stress induced by the raid.