Date of Offense
Complaint
Supporting Document(s)
Statement
Chief James “Tim” Bryan’s conduct toward independent journalist Jarom Smith raises serious First Amendment concerns. Jarom Smith, who operates the Lyon County Observer Facebook page, reported on the allegations involving Joseph Sublett. While covering that story, additional individuals reportedly came forward with similar accounts regarding Chief Bryan’s misconduct.
In response to this reporting and the public discussion surrounding it, James “Tim” Bryan retained legal counsel, and a cease-and-desist letter was subsequently sent to Jarom Smith. The use of legal threats against a journalist for reporting on matters of public concern—particularly allegations involving a law enforcement official—constitutes an attempt to suppress protected speech and raises significant constitutional concerns under the First Amendment.
