Arkansas 1st News Founder Jennifer Lancaster Files Lawsuit Against Forrest City Police Chief & City Attorney

Today Lancaster joined the ranks of attorneys Joey McCutchen and Stephen Napurano as a government transparency warrior by filing suit against Forrest City Police Chief Ronald Broussard and City Attorney Marshall Wright for violating laws in the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Lancaster filed the suit on my behalf after Broussard and Wright refused to follow laws in the Act and provide me records requested in electronic form via email.

On May 12^th I sent one FOI Request to Broussard and one to Wright for records concerning Battery of a child. On May 27^th I sent a separate FOI request for records involving the harassment of a school board member. I requested the records in electronic form via email.

AR Code 25-19-108 (5) (b) (1) states – “All materials made available by a state agency, board, or commission pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and created after July 1, 2003, shall be made publicly accessible, without charge, in electronic form via the internet.”

Both Broussard and Wright refused to provide me the records in the format I requested.

Wright’s paralegal, Lana Leger, went even further by stating to me on the phone that if I wanted to submit an FOI request, I would have to submit it in paper form on a letterhead.

AR Code 25-19-105 (2) (B) states – “The request may be made in person, by telephone, by mail, by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail, or by other electronic means provided by the custodian.”

On May 15^th I provided that law to Wright, along with three others, which he ignored.

I warned Broussard and Wright that if they did not follow the law and provide me the records I requested, I would file a lawsuit against them for violating the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Apparently, they didn’t believe me….or care….or both.

Doesn’t really matter because I have tagged in Jennifer and it’s game on.

We are asking the Court to –

1. Issue the City a permanent injunction to prohibit them from violating laws in the AFOIA.
2. Provide me the records requested.
3. Declare the Defendants violated the law.
4. Impose sanctions against the Defendants.
5. Award all reasonable legal fees and cost.

The law says a Hearing must be held in the matter within seven business days of filing and we have not waived that.

It’s always disappointing when you come across public servants who are charged with enforcing laws….that can’t be trusted to follow them.

You can access all the Court filings at this link –

https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad/case/62CV-25-214

Jimmie Cavin

Professional Bully Fighter I investigate and report on issues around the State of Arkansas with an emphasis on Government. I am strong conservative however I bring Truth and Facts regardless of Party affiliation….My hashtag is #FactsNotFiction