ACLU alleges Mid-Missouri sheriff violated open records law

VIENNA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The ACLU of Missouri is suing the Maries County sheriff, alleging he violated the state's open records law with the organization's request for information related to social media posts.

The suit, filed Friday, was brought after Sheriff Chris Heitman's office failed to provide documents related to the ACLU's inquiry into social media posts, the ACLU said.

The ACLU said in a news release that on June 17 it requested documents related to social media posts on the sheriff's official Facebook page that threatened protesters if they came to Maries County.

In one post made June 1 -- soon after protests related to the death of George Floyd at the hands of police began -- Heitman warned protesters that many Maries County homeowners have guns and will protect themselves.

Heitman also said he would deputize county residents to meet protesters with "a courageous Sheriff’s Posse."

In the post, Heitman said if protesters are peaceful he will provide them protection.

The ACLU says it asked for all social media posts dating back to Dec. 19, sheriff's office policies related to social media use and sheriff's office grievance procedures.

"Despite some initial communication related to the request, the Sheriff’s Office stopped responding to ACLU inquiries on the request. No records have been provided," the ACLU said in its release.

Heitman said his office did not stop working on the request but had to prioritize criminal investigations. He said his office will finish the request and he believes a judge will side with him.

No hearings have been set in the case.