Members and supporters of the Henry County Sheriff’s Department, along with many in the community, gathered Tuesday morning at the Henry County Courthouse for a petition hearing filed by Deputy Carlos Lopez against Henry County Attorney Darin Stater.
The petition challenges Lopez’s placement on the Brady-Giglio list by the County Attorney’s Office. When the hearing began, County Attorney Stater requested that Judge Thomas Reidell close the proceedings during opening and closing remarks. That request was granted, and members of the public, along with Sheriff’s Department personnel, were asked to leave the courtroom.
KILJ News spoke with Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee, who said those in attendance had expected the public would be allowed to observe at least the opening and closing portions of the appeal. However, once the request was made by the County Attorney, Judge Reidell ruled to close the courtroom.
As a result, the public remains without further information on Deputy Lopez’s ongoing effort to be removed from the Brady-Giglio list. The case is still active and developing, and KILJ will continue to provide updates as more details become available.