Ex-chief’s hearing delayed
Staff writer
Former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody’s preliminary hearing on a felony charge related to now-disavowed raids on the Record and two homes was delayed three months Tuesday morning.
The delay was requested by Cody’s defense lawyer, Sal Intagliata of Wichita, who said he needed more time to review more than 39,000 pages of documents obtained from Colorado Bureau of Investigation agents, who investigated the raids and events leading up to them.
“We are working on defenses,” Intagliata said.
District Judge Ryan Rosauer agreed to delay the preliminary hearing until Oct. 15.
Special prosecutor Marc Bennett of Sedgwick County said he understood what the defense was up against and didn’t object.
This is the third time Cody’s preliminary hearing has been delayed. It first was scheduled for Dec. 16, then delayed to May 21. It was again delayed to July 23.
He is charged with felony interfering with judicial process. The charge arose from allegedly inducing former Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell to delete text messages sent between them between Aug. 11 and 17, 2023.
Rosauer, who earlier released Cody on a $5,000 recognizance bond, ordered him to stay in contact with his attorney and comply with all terms of his bond.
Further court hearings could include an arraignment during which Cody would plead not guilty, no contest, or guilty; and a trial.
Cody could work out a plea deal with prosecutors or the charge could be dismissed.
The charge is a low-level felony. Sentencing guidelines suggest probation if he is convicted.