Reporter, News Organizations Urge Court to Overturn Contempt Citation

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Toni Locy, the former USA Today reporter found in contempt for declining to name her sources for articles on anthrax attack suspect Steven Hatfill, asked a federal appeals court to reverse the citation, saying she had no money to pay the fines of up to $5,000 a day imposed by U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton. In a brief, lawyers for Ms. Locy said Judge Walton abused his discretion with the “destructive sanctions.” At the same time, 31 news organizations filed a supporting amicus brief. (4/1/08)