Brewington files Lawsuit Seeking Grand Jury Records

Dearborn County, Indiana – Convicted Blogger Files Civil Complaint seeking Grand Jury Audio. In a civil petition filed July 14, 2016, Dan Brewington of Cincinnati, Ohio named Special Judge Brian Hill and the Superior Court II of Dearborn County, Indiana as Defendants in a civil action seeking audio from grand jury proceedings in early 2011.  In the forty-four page “Complaint Under Indiana Access to Public Records Act ("APRA") and for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief,” Brewington alleges court officials failed to accurately transcribe the official record from a three-day grand jury investigation initiated by Dearborn County Prosecutor F. Aaron Negangard. Transcripts indicate Negangard made Brewington the target of the grand jury investigation because Brewington made “over the top” and “unsubstantiated” statements about Dearborn County Court Officials which ultimately led to indictments, conviction and a five-year prison sentence.  On April 14, 2016, the Office of the Indiana Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) issued an opinion in favor of releasing the audio. In an email dated May 6, 2016, the PAC advised Brewington to file suit against Judge Hill. Brewington’s petition includes several court orders dating back to January 2012 that provide conflicting reasons for denying access to the audio. Brewington's complaint alleges the prosecution instructed Brewington to rely on the "complete" transcription of the grand jury proceedings to determine the nature of the non-specific indictments, while knowing the transcripts were incomplete; hindering any opportunity for a fair trial. A hearing has not been set in the matter.