By Matthew Reardon
We the People News
Investigative Report

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A We the People News investigation has uncovered a disturbing pattern of obstruction and concealment by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi. Through a series of phone calls documented in September and October 2025, sheriff’s department personnel repeatedly refused to provide basic public information about defendants Beavers and James, engaged in evasive tactics, and demonstrated what appears to be a coordinated effort to prevent public access to information that should be readily available under Mississippi public records law.

The investigation reveals:

• Systematic Refusal to Provide Information: Multiple calls met with stonewalling, excuses, and refusals to provide basic booking information
• Contradictory Statements: Department personnel provided conflicting information about record availability and procedures
• Suspicious Behavior: Evidence of coordination between staff members to obstruct information requests
• Potential Legal Violations: Actions that may violate Mississippi Public Records Act and obstruction of justice statutes
• Pattern of Retaliation: Targeting of journalist who has documented law enforcement misconduct

This report documents the complete timeline of obstruction, analyzes the legal implications, and exposes what appears to be a deliberate campaign to conceal information from public scrutiny.

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PART I: THE INVESTIGATION BEGINS

Background: Why These Defendants Matter

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department holds information about two defendants—identified in this investigation as Beavers and James—whose cases have raised significant questions about law enforcement conduct, due process, and transparency in Mississippi’s criminal justice system.

When We the People News began investigating these cases, we encountered immediate resistance from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. What should have been a routine public records request turned into a months-long saga of obstruction, evasion, and what can only be described as deliberate concealment.

Under Mississippi law, public records are presumptively open to public inspection. The Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) establishes that:

1. Public records are open: All public records shall be open for inspection by any citizen
2. Prompt response required: Agencies must respond to requests within a reasonable time
3. Limited exceptions: Only specific, enumerated exceptions allow withholding
4. Criminal penalties: Willful violation can result in criminal charges

Booking records, arrest information, and basic defendant data are quintessential public records. There is no legitimate basis for refusing to provide this information to journalists or citizens.

Yet that is exactly what the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department did.

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PART II: THE PHONE CALLS – A TIMELINE OF OBSTRUCTION

September 22, 2025: The First Call – “Definitely Plotting and Planning”

Context: Initial attempt to obtain information about defendants Beavers and James.

What Happened: The first call to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department set the tone for what would become a pattern of obstruction. When We the People News requested basic booking information about the defendants, the response was immediate resistance.

A female staff member—later identified in subsequent calls as “Karen”—provided evasive answers, claimed records were unavailable, and suggested calling back at a different time. The interaction was documented on video and later published on YouTube with the title: “EXCLUSIVE PHONE CALL with Sheriff’s Secretary for St Martin Parish Sheriffs Office 9-22-2025.”

Red Flags:

• Immediate defensiveness when asked about defendants
• Refusal to provide basic information that should be readily available
• Suggestion to call back rather than accessing available records
• Tone suggesting coordination with others in office

Analysis: The first call established that the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department was not going to cooperate with routine public records requests. The evasive responses and refusal to provide basic information suggested this was not mere incompetence but deliberate obstruction.

Follow-Up Call: “Karen at Lafayette County Sheriffs Department Calls Back”

Context: Department personnel initiated contact after initial request.

What Happened: In an unusual move, a staff member from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department called back. This call, documented in a YouTube video titled “PT 2: KAREN AT LAFAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT CALLS BACK. DEFINITELY PLOTTING AND PLANNING,” revealed even more concerning behavior.

The callback was not to provide the requested information. Instead, it appeared designed to:

1. Determine what information the journalist already possessed
2. Gauge the scope of the investigation
3. Potentially coordinate a response with other officials
4. Further delay or obstruct the information request

Key Observations:

• The callback itself was suspicious—why call back if not to provide information?
• Questions seemed designed to extract information rather than provide it
• Tone and content suggested coordination with others
• No substantive information was provided despite the callback

The “Plotting and Planning” Evidence: The title of the video—”DEFINITELY PLOTTING AND PLANNING”—reflects the journalist’s assessment based on the content of the call. The behavior exhibited suggested:

• Coordination: Staff member appeared to be consulting with others during the call
• Strategic Evasion: Responses seemed calculated to avoid providing information while appearing cooperative
• Information Gathering: Questions designed to determine what the journalist knew
• Delay Tactics: Promises to “look into it” and “call back” without substantive action

The Pattern Emerges: Multiple Obstructions

Between September and October 2025, multiple attempts to obtain information about defendants Beavers and James met with similar obstruction:

Attempt 1: Told records are “not available right now”
Attempt 2: Directed to call a different number
Attempt 3: Told to submit written request (despite verbal requests being legally sufficient)
Attempt 4: Claims that “someone else” handles those records
Attempt 5: Simply refused to provide information without explanation

Each obstruction followed a similar pattern:

1. Initial resistance
2. Excuse or deflection
3. Suggestion to try different method/time/person
4. No substantive information provided
5. No explanation for refusal

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PART III: THE EVIDENCE OF COORDINATION

“Obstructionists” – The Facebook Documentation

On October 15, 2025, We the People News published a Facebook post titled “Obstructionists” that documented the pattern of obstruction by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department. The post included:

• Audio from phone calls with department personnel
• Analysis of the evasive tactics employed
• Documentation of the timeline of obstruction
• Evidence suggesting coordination among staff members

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14ErXqgzada/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Facebook post detailed how multiple staff members appeared to be working together to prevent access to public records. The coordination was evident in:

1. Consistent Excuses: Different staff members provided similar excuses
2. Referral Pattern: Each person referred to another person or department
3. Timing: Callbacks and responses seemed coordinated
4. Information Control: No one would provide information, but all knew to deflect

The Smoking Gun: Evidence of Deliberate Concealment

The most damning evidence came from analyzing the pattern of responses across multiple calls:

What They Said vs. What the Law Requires:Lafayette County ClaimsMississippi Law Reality”Records not available”Booking records are public and must be maintained”Call back later”Agencies must respond within reasonable time”Submit written request”Verbal requests are legally sufficient”Someone else handles that”Agency is responsible regardless of internal procedures”Can’t provide that information”Public records presumptively open to inspection

Every excuse violated Mississippi public records law. Every deflection was legally improper. Every refusal was potentially criminal.

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PART IV: LEGAL ANALYSIS – VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

Potential Criminal Violations

Beyond civil violations of the Public Records Act, the conduct may constitute criminal offenses:

1. Obstruction of Justice (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-9-1)

• Willfully obstructing administration of justice
• Includes concealing evidence or information
• Applies to public officials

Potential Application: Deliberate concealment of public records to obstruct investigation

2. Misconduct in Office (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-11-39)

• Public officer willfully failing to perform duty
• Includes refusal to provide public records
• Misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances

Potential Application: Systematic refusal to comply with public records law

3. Conspiracy (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-1-1)

• Agreement between two or more persons to commit unlawful act
• Includes conspiracy to obstruct justice
• Enhanced penalties for public officials

Potential Application: Coordination among staff to obstruct records access

Federal Implications

If the obstruction relates to federal investigations or civil rights violations, federal charges could apply:

18 U.S.C. § 1519 – Obstruction of Justice

• Destroying, altering, or concealing records
• With intent to obstruct investigation
• Up to 20 years imprisonment

18 U.S.C. § 241 – Conspiracy Against Rights

• Conspiracy to deprive citizens of constitutional rights
• Includes First Amendment rights to access public information
• Up to 10 years imprisonment

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PART V: THE BROADER PATTERN – WHY THIS MATTERS

Not an Isolated Incident

The obstruction by Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department is not occurring in a vacuum. It is part of a broader pattern of law enforcement agencies in Mississippi and beyond targeting journalists who document misconduct.

Related Incidents:

1. U.S. Marshals BOLO Alert: Federal surveillance of journalist for protected activities
2. Lafayette Federal Courthouse Arrest: Arrest for peaceful protest about surveillance
3. Federal Protective Order Motion: Attempt to silence journalism about government conduct
4. Lafayette County Obstruction: State-level coordination to conceal information

Each incident involves:

• Targeting of the same journalist
• Obstruction of constitutionally protected activities
• Coordination among law enforcement agencies
• Retaliation for documenting misconduct

The Defendants: Beavers and James

While the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department has worked to conceal information about defendants Beavers and James, the public has a compelling interest in knowing:

Questions That Remain Unanswered:

• What are the charges against Beavers and James?
• When were they arrested and booked?
• What is the status of their cases?
• Are there any connections to other cases or investigations?
• Why is the Sheriff’s Department so determined to conceal this information?

The very fact that the department is obstructing access to this information suggests there is something they don’t want the public to know.

Implications for Justice and Transparency

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department’s obstruction has serious implications:

1. Undermines Public Trust

• Citizens cannot trust law enforcement that conceals information
• Transparency is essential for accountability
• Obstruction breeds suspicion and distrust

2. Threatens Press Freedom

• Journalists cannot report on what they cannot access
• Public records laws are meaningless if not enforced
• Obstruction chills investigative journalism

3. Enables Misconduct

• Concealment allows misconduct to continue
• Lack of transparency prevents accountability
• Pattern suggests something to hide

4. Violates Due Process

• Defendants have right to public proceedings
• Public has right to know about criminal justice system
• Secrecy undermines legitimacy of process

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PART VI: THE RESPONSE – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Formal Complaints Filed

In response to the obstruction, We the People News has taken the following actions:

1. Mississippi Attorney General Complaint

• Formal complaint under Mississippi Public Records Act
• Request for investigation of violations
• Demand for enforcement action

2. FBI Referral

• Referral for potential federal civil rights violations
• Documentation of obstruction pattern
• Request for investigation of conspiracy

3. Mississippi State Auditor Notification

• Report of potential misconduct in office
• Request for audit of records management
• Demand for accountability

4. Media Exposure

• Publication of documented obstruction
• Release of phone call recordings
• Public pressure for transparency

Legal Options

Several legal remedies are available:

1. Mandamus Action

• Court order compelling production of records
• Available under Mississippi law
• Can include attorney’s fees

2. Civil Rights Lawsuit

• 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action for First Amendment violations
• Damages for obstruction of press freedom
• Injunctive relief requiring compliance

3. Criminal Referral

• Request for prosecution of violations
• State and federal charges possible
• Public officials not immune from criminal liability

Public Pressure Campaign

Transparency requires public engagement:

What You Can Do:

1. Contact Lafayette County Officials
   • Sheriff’s Department: [Contact Info]
   • Board of Supervisors: [Contact Info]
   • Demand transparency and accountability
2. Contact State Officials
3. Share This Story
   • Social media: #LafayetteCountyObstruction #MississippiTransparency
   • Email to friends and family
   • Post in community groups
4. Support Investigative Journalism
   • Subscribe to We the People News
   • Share our reporting
   • Donate to support continued investigation

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PART VII: THE EVIDENCE – DOCUMENTED PROOF

Video Documentation

The following videos document the obstruction:

1. “EXCLUSIVE PHONE CALL with Sheriff’s Secretary for St Martin Parish Sheriffs Office 9-22-2025”

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/oDOuhIrI6Uo
• Documents initial obstruction
• Shows evasive tactics
• Establishes pattern

2. “PT 2: KAREN AT LAFAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT CALLS BACK. DEFINITELY PLOTTING AND PLANNING”

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/SHiaadty-3M?feature=share
• Documents callback
• Shows coordination
• Reveals strategic evasion

3. “Obstructionists”

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14ErXqgzada/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Comprehensive documentation
• Analysis of pattern
• Evidence of coordination

Audio Recordings

All phone calls with Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department personnel have been recorded and preserved as evidence. These recordings document:

• Specific statements by department personnel
• Tone and manner of responses
• Background conversations suggesting coordination
• Timestamps establishing timeline
• Pattern of obstruction across multiple calls

Written Documentation

Supporting documentation includes:

• Phone logs showing dates and times of calls
• Notes from each conversation
• Follow-up emails (if any)
• Formal public records requests
• Responses (or lack thereof) from department

“When law enforcement agencies obstruct journalists’ access to public records, they’re not just violating state law—they’re violating the First Amendment. The public has a right to know what their government is doing, and journalists serve as the public’s eyes and ears. This obstruction is an attack on press freedom and government accountability.”

“Investigative journalism depends on access to public records. When government agencies obstruct that access, they’re not just violating the law—they’re undermining democracy itself. Citizens cannot hold their government accountable if they don’t know what their government is doing. This case demonstrates why press freedom is so essential.”

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PART VIII. THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mississippi’s Transparency Problem

Lafayette County is not alone. Mississippi has a documented problem with government transparency:

State Rankings:

• Mississippi ranks [X] out of 50 states for government transparency
• Public records compliance is notoriously poor
• Enforcement of transparency laws is weak
• Culture of secrecy pervades many agencies

Recent Examples:

• [Other Mississippi transparency violations]
• [Patterns of obstruction]
• [Lack of accountability]

National Context

The obstruction by Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department reflects a national trend:

Increasing Attacks on Press Freedom:

• Journalists arrested for doing their jobs
• Public records requests routinely denied
• Retaliation against reporters who expose misconduct
• Erosion of transparency norms

The Stakes:

• Democracy requires informed citizenry
• Informed citizenry requires free press
• Free press requires access to information
• Access to information requires enforcement of transparency laws

Why Beavers and James Matter

The specific cases of defendants Beavers and James may seem like small matters in the grand scheme. But they represent something larger:

Principles at Stake:

• Right to know what government is doing
• Accountability for law enforcement
• Transparency in criminal justice system
• Press freedom to investigate and report

If the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department can obstruct access to information about these defendants, they can obstruct access to information about anyone. If they can target this journalist, they can target any journalist.

The question is not just about Beavers and James. The question is about whether we still have government of, by, and for the people—or whether we have government that operates in secret, accountable to no one.

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PART IX: CONCLUSION AND CALL TO ACTION

Summary of Findings

This investigation has documented:

1. Systematic Obstruction: Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department repeatedly refused to provide public records
2. Legal Violations: Conduct violates Mississippi Public Records Act and potentially criminal statutes
3. Coordination: Evidence suggests deliberate coordination to obstruct access
4. Pattern: Part of broader pattern of targeting journalist who documents misconduct
5. Concealment: Specific effort to conceal information about defendants Beavers and James

What Must Happen

Immediate Actions Required:

1. Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department Must:
   • Immediately provide all requested public records
   • Apologize for obstruction
   • Implement transparency training for all staff
   • Establish clear public records procedures
   • Discipline personnel who violated the law
2. Mississippi Attorney General Must:
   • Investigate violations of Public Records Act
   • Prosecute willful violations
   • Issue guidance on public records compliance
   • Establish enforcement mechanisms
3. Mississippi Legislature Must:
   • Strengthen public records laws
   • Increase penalties for violations
   • Provide funding for enforcement
   • Close loopholes that enable obstruction
4. Federal Authorities Must:
   • Investigate potential civil rights violations
   • Prosecute obstruction of justice if warranted
   • Protect journalists from retaliation
   • Ensure First Amendment rights are respected

How You Can Help

Take Action Now:

1. Contact Officials (Sample message below) 

2. Share This Story (#LafayetteCountyObstruction)

3. Support Investigative Journalism (Subscribe, donate, engage) 

4. Demand Accountability (Attend public meetings, write letters, organize)

Sample Message to Officials:

“Dear [Official Name],

I am writing to express serious concern about the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department’s obstruction of public records requests documented by We the People News.

The department has systematically refused to provide basic booking information about defendants Beavers and James, in apparent violation of Mississippi’s Public Records Act. This obstruction undermines transparency, accountability, and press freedom.

I urge you to:

1. Investigate these violations immediately
2. Ensure compliance with public records laws
3. Hold accountable those who violated the law
4. Implement reforms to prevent future obstruction

Government transparency is not optional. It is the law. And the law must be enforced.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]”

Final Thoughts

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department’s obstruction is not just about two defendants. It’s not just about one journalist. It’s not even just about Mississippi.

It’s about whether we still have a government that is accountable to the people. It’s about whether transparency laws mean anything. It’s about whether journalists can do their jobs without retaliation.

The answer to those questions depends on what happens next.

If the obstruction continues without consequences, the message is clear: transparency laws are meaningless, journalists can be targeted with impunity, and government can operate in secret.

But if there are consequences—if officials are held accountable, if the law is enforced, if transparency is restored—then the message is different: government serves the people, not the other way around.

The choice is ours.

We can accept obstruction, secrecy, and retaliation. Or we can demand transparency, accountability, and justice.

We the People News has made our choice. We will continue investigating. We will continue reporting. We will continue demanding transparency.

The question is: What will you choose?

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ABOUT THIS INVESTIGATION

This investigation was conducted by Matthew Reardon, founder and publisher of We the People News, a Marine veteran and investigative journalist committed to government accountability and transparency. All phone calls were legally recorded. All documentation is preserved as evidence. All claims are supported by verifiable facts.

UPDATES

This is a developing story. We the People News will continue investigating and will publish updates as new information becomes available. Subscribe for updates.

CONTACT

For more information, additional documentation, or to provide tips:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Https://www.wtpnews.org
• YouTube: [Channel]
• Twitter: @WTPNews

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This article represents investigative journalism based on documented evidence, recorded phone calls, and analysis of public records law. All individuals and agencies named have been given opportunity to respond. We the People News stands by this reporting and welcomes any corrections or additional context.

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