Nearly every copy of a small-town Colorado newspaper was stolen from the racks on the same day the Ouray County Plain Dealer published an article about an indictment filed against him for alleged rape. According to the newspaper, the sexual assault occurred during an underage drinking party at the police chief's home while he was sleeping. Associated Press.
Mike Wiggins, co-publisher of the Ouray County Plain Dealer, sued X after his newspaper was stolen, writing, “Someone didn't like this issue of @ocplaindealer (guess which one). They stole almost all the newspapers.” ”
The newspaper shared the article on social media and made it available to free subscribers. The story depicts how three men, including a relative of the police chief, were charged with felony sexual assault. The incident occurred in May 2023. Drugs and alcohol were present, according to the report.
The suspects are 17, 18 and 19 years old. The person who reported the rape was also 17 years old.
After the newspaper was stolen, the publication issued a statement“We are overwhelmed by your generous support. How many of you came forward and helped us save our newspapers after our edition was stolen from all but one newspaper shelf in Ouray County. We had no idea that you would offer to help fund the reissue of the book.''
“The documents are back again, and we're seeing an incredible amount of interest in the story of the documents being stolen.”
“We know that our community cares as much as we do about ensuring the freedom of the press survives and supports our ability to exercise our First Amendment rights and keep us informed. I am.”
The publication further stated that the suspect was identified and named by local police. They added that the suspect's identity will not be released until a citation is issued. The suspect returned the garbage bag containing the newspaper to the Plain Dealer office Thursday night and appears to have confessed to taking it with him. Investigators have asked us to withhold details until the investigation is complete. I'm looking for it.''
“The suspect in this case is not related to any of the defendants in the alleged sexual assault case and is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency, including the Ouray Police Chief and his department,” the publication added.
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