Michigan Sheriff Blocks Info After It Published Criticism

By: A newspaper says the Shiawassee County sheriff no longer will routinely release information to it following the publication of an article about criticism of his department.

The Argus-Press of Owosso said it was told on Feb. 4 that it would need to file Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain the information. Previously, department personnel would issue a press release or comment on a case from the scene.

Sheriff Jon Wilson said on Feb. 8 that he was willing to issue press releases and other information to the newspaper, but requests would need to be made in writing. He said the article about his department led to a feeling of mistrust, and he wanted communication in writing with the newspaper to ensure accuracy.

"I'm not withholding information," Wilson told the Associated Press. "I just want the correspondence in writing."

Press releases typically are put out by authorities soon ? often hours ? after a newsworthy event. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, the public body must respond to the request within five business days; it also can extend the response an additional 10 business days.

Wilson said FOIA requests to his department typically move more swiftly, but didn't specify how swiftly.

The newspaper cited one example where information was withheld. It said sheriff's officials confirmed a fatal traffic crash occurred on the morning of Feb. 2 but wouldn't release any information, citing a recent change in policy.

The newspaper said Wilson on Feb. 3 declined to release information about the crash, but details were reported Feb. 4 online by another newspaper that covers the area. The Argus-Press said it had filed a FOIA request to get the information.

Wilson said when he was contacted on Feb. 3 he was on his way home from church and didn't have information about the crash.

The Argus-Press published an article last month about a political blogger in Caledonia Township selling bumper stickers questioning Wilson's support of his department.

Wilson denied there were issues with the department or his running of it. But the newspaper reported Wilson said the paper wouldn't receive information from his department if the article was published.

Last month, the newspaper reported Christine Barry was selling "I Support Shiawassee Deputies, Why Doesn't The Sheriff?" bumper stickers. It also reported "local blogs are filled with threads discussing alleged problems."

At the time, the sheriff said he was not aware of the bumper stickers.

"They were taking rumors and gossip off a blog," Wilson said on Feb. 8.

The newspaper is based in Owosso, which is located in Shiawassee County about three miles from Corunna, the county seat and the city where the headquarters of the Shiawassee County sheriff is located.