Berkeley County Legal professional Sends Stop and Desist to Native Activist
In a disturbing display of government overreach, the Berkeley County attorney has issued a cease and desist order to local activist Lauren Hedges, attempting to silence her inquiries into county operations.
This action follows Hedges’ efforts to engage with public employees regarding matters of public concern, a fundamental aspect of civic oversight and journalistic practice. This aggressive legal maneuver directly assaults First Amendment rights, revealing a system that prioritizes secrecy and control over transparency and accountability. This article will detail the specifics of the cease and desist order, Hedges’ principled response, and the broader implications of such tactics for free speech and government integrity.
The Cease and Desist: A Weaponized Legal Threat
The Berkeley County attorney issued a cease and desist demanding Lauren Hedges halt all communication with county employees regarding the Berkeley County Commission or Day Report Center. The order explicitly states, “Demand for immediate action, cease and desist from all director and direct communication with any current employee of the Berkeley County Commission or Day Report Center.”
It further threatens, “If you fail or refuse to comply with this demand, we will treat your actions as harassment and immediately ask the court for a protective order to stop any further contact.”Non-compliance may result in additional sanctions and penalties.” This legal threat is designed to intimidate and silence a citizen engaged in legitimate inquiry, effectively creating an unconstitutional gag order on public discourse.
Lauren Hedges’ Defiant Response: Upholding Constitutional Rights
Lauren Hedges unequivocally rejected the cease and desist, asserting her constitutional right to free speech and exposing the legal deficiencies of the county attorney’s demands. Additionally, Hedges stated, “I have read your email several times now trying to determine whether this was meant to be taken seriously or was drafted in haste without any meaningful review of the law.”
She further clarified her actions, saying, “my messages to these individuals consisted of standard investigative questions explicitly stated that I was not accusing them of anything… That is not only lawful. It is the accepted norm in journalism, civic oversight and First Amendment protected inquiry.” Hedges concluded, “Your email has no legal way. It has no statutory support and it has no authority to restrict protected activity.” Furthermore, Hedges’ response stands as a principled defense of free speech, directly challenging the county attorney’s attempt to weaponize the legal process against a private citizen.
Institutional Betrayal: Suppressing Transparency and Accountability
The county attorney’s actions clearly attempt to suppress an investigation into government misconduct, demonstrating a betrayal of public trust. Hedges argued, “It is difficult to interpret your response as anything other than an attempt to stifle an investigation uncovering information that the county would prefer to remain out of public view.”
Moreover, she highlighted the legal absurdity of the threats, stating, “Officials should not wield the judiciary as a tool against residents who exercise their constitutional rights to inquire about government operations.” This incident exposes a corrupt impulse within the local government to conceal information and retaliate against citizens who dare to ask questions, violating the very principles of open governance.
Furthermore, the institutional connections within the county raise additional concerns regarding impartiality, as Anthony Delligatti’s wife, Catie Wilkes Delligatti, serves as a circuit court judge in the same jurisdiction. This relationship underscores the potential for systemic conflicts of interest when the government attempts to use the judiciary as a shield against public inquiry.
Conclusion: The Warning and the Call to Action
The Berkeley County attorney’s cease and desist against Lauren Hedges is a stark illustration of how local government can attempt to silence dissent and obstruct transparency through legal intimidation.
Such tactics, if left unchallenged, erode the foundations of free speech and civic engagement, creating an environment where corruption can flourish unchecked. Citizens must remain vigilant against government overreach and support activists like Lauren Hedges who bravely stand against attempts to suppress legitimate inquiry into public affairs. The integrity of our local institutions depends on it.