Kansas reporter accused of breaking law before controversial Marion County newspaper raid: documents

The recent raid of the Marion County Record was over claims that a reporter violated the law by obtaining the driving records of a local business owner, court documents claim.

Newell previously argued that the paper violated her privacy and committed a crime by gathering the information about her, but the newspaper has maintained their methods were legal.

Reporter Phyllis Zorn had accessed a public website when gathering information about restaurant operator Kari Newell. Zorn had used Newell's name in the search, and police believed it was identity theft to do so. A source had also given the paper Newell's date of birth and license number unsolicited.