California reporter vows to protect source after police raid

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

today

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A freelance journalist is vowing to protect his source after San Francisco police raided his home and office while keeping him handcuffed for several hours as part of a criminal investigation, according to a newspaper report.

Bryan Carmody told the Los Angeles Times that officers banged on his door Friday and confiscated dozens of personal items including notebooks, his cellphone, computer, hard drives and cameras. A judge signed off on search warrants, which stated officers were investigating “stolen or embezzled” property, the newspaper reported Saturday

Authorities said the raid came during an ongoing probe into who leaked a confidential police report about the Feb. 22 death of San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi.

. . .

While he was shackled, officers got a second warrant to search his newsroom, where police seized a thumb drive, CDs and, inside a safe, the leaked police report about Adachi’s death, the Times said.


Read more: https://apnews.com/73284aba0b8f466980ce2296b2eb18fa

[Ferrets are Cool]

1. Why does this remind me so much of the Schutzstaffel?

[stopdiggin]

2. confidential vs free press

Surprised that a warrant was issued. Not entirely up to speed here but this would seem to be a good example of some of the sticky areas around 1st amendment and free press law. (and certainly better than hitching that star to Julian Assange) Apparently LE was able to convince at least one judge that there was unprotected criminal behavior here. Confidential information (both public and private) can have real penalties attached. Where the press fits into this particular scenario ...