This is my statement regarding the events that occurred Friday in the trial of
#GeorgeWagnerIV.
On Friday, September 14, upon the advice of legal counsel and after a court order from Ohio's
Fourth District Court of Appeals affirming the media's right to object to illegal, archaic rules
imposed by a Pike County Court of Common Pleas Judge in the trial of George Wagner IV, I
was forcibly removed from the courtroom for rightfully and respectfully objecting the limitation of
media access. My objection was to the Judge's continued blatant violation and misinterpretation
of the Supreme Court's rules and established case law regarding journalism being able to
document, film, and record the court proceedings.
In addition, the doors to the courtroom have been locked* by armed deputies and state officers
who refuse to allow the media - or the general public - to enter the courtroom unless the
court is in recess, despite court personnel, family members, and advocates freely
coming-and-going.
I followed the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and steps outlined
by the Ohio State Bar Association by respectfully objecting; I remained in compliance with
professional standards, decorum, ethics, and guidance at all times.
The media pool's legal counsel, Jack Greiner, who is a fierce advocate for the first amendment,
media rights, and courtroom access is working on the next steps on how this situation proceeds.
Until then, I am permanently banned from the Pike County Courthouse, however, the Guardian's
live stream and trial coverage (when the judge "permits" the media's attendance and filming at
his leisure) will continue through other journalists from our newsroom. I will continue to cover the
trial from a rented satellite office next door to the courthouse.
The restrictions imposed by Judge Randy Deering in this case are illegal, archaic, and a
violation of the Constitutional rights afforded by Ohio and the United States, not to mention in
direct derelict and contempt of the Writ of Prohibition the Fourth District issued on Tuesday in
favor of the media and the public.
Full transparency is needed, especially in death penalty cases. The public should know how the
state intends to kill one of its own, especially someone who is accused of taking the lives of
eight people in a case that has been billed the most expensive and worst homicide in Ohio's
history.
As we say in the news business: we'll keep you posted on any new developments." and thank
you for the support from those who believe in a free press and open judiciary.