Reporter held in contempt
A federal judge held a former USA Today reporter in contempt of court as she continued refusing to identify sources for stories about a former Army scientist under scrutiny in the 2001 anthrax attacks.
U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said reporter Toni Locy defied his order in August that she cooperate with Steven J. Hatfill in his lawsuit against the government. Walton indicated that he would impose escalating daily fines until she divulged her sources, but that he would take a few more days to decide whether to postpone the penalty as she pursues an appeal.
“I will order she provide the sources of information,” Walton said during a hearing, as Locy looked grim and slowly shook her head in disagreement.
“I don’t like to have to hold anyone in contempt,” the judge added, but “the media has to be responsible.”
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