Media descend on Cody’s return
Staff writer
Nine reporters were in the courtroom and several more stood outside when former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody made his first court appearance Monday on a felony charge of interfering with judicial process.
Cody and his lawyer, Sal Intagliata of Wichita, entered the courthouse by a south door of the building and walked to stairs leading to the courtroom.
Cody led a now-disavowed raid Aug. 11, 2023, on the Marion County Record and the homes of its owners and city council member Ruth Herbel.
The felony charge stems from his allegedly inducing former Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell to delete text messages sent between them between Aug. 11 and Aug. 17, 2023.
Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson and Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett huddled with Intragliata before the hearing. Then they moved to the prosecution and defense tables before District Judge Ryan Rosauer entered.
Rosauer set Cody’s bond at $5,000, released him on his own recognizance, and agreed to waive personal appearances except preliminary hearing, arraignment, and plea.
Rosauer set a status hearing for Dec. 16 and told Cody to stay in contact with his attorney.
Besides reporters, other spectators came to watch the proceeding, including Ruth and Ron Herbel, who have filed a federal lawsuit against Cody and others.
Further court hearings could include a preliminary hearing; an arraignment during which Cody would plead not guilty, no contest, or guilty; and a trial.
It is possible Cody could work out a plea deal with prosecutors or that the charge could be dismissed.
The charge is a low-level felony. Sentencing guidelines suggest probation if he is convicted.