<div>On 5 May 2026, I was arrested by the <strong>Biloxi Police Department</strong> in retaliation for exercising what I firmly believe to be my constitutionally protected<strong> 1st Amendment</strong> Free Speech rights as a political commentator and citizen journalist through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/biloxipoliticsuncensored" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biloxi Politics Uncensored</a> Facebook page. The charge is "obscene electronic communications" under <strong>Miss. Code § 97-29-45</strong> for simply sharing a link to an article written on a website by someone else. <strong>Yes, you read that correctly; you can be arrested and jailed for 9 hours simply for clicking the "share" button of an article written by someone else.</strong>
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<div><strong>You can watch a WLOX article here:</strong>
</div><iframe media_type="0" media_id="ZPW96hA4ZkA" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZPW96hA4ZkA/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>
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<div>For years, I have investigated and reported on matters involving public officials, city government, zoning controversies, taxpayer spending, political favoritism, and issues affecting the citizens of Biloxi, Mississippi. My reporting has been aggressive, unapologetic, and often uncomfortable for people in positions of power and those who publicly support them, but journalism and political speech were never meant to exist only when convenient for government officials or politically connected individuals.
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<div>This legal battle is bigger than me alone. The outcome has the potential to affect political commentary, satire, investigative reporting, citizen journalism, and the ability of ordinary citizens to openly criticize public officials without fear of criminal prosecution or retaliation.
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<div>I want to make one thing absolutely clear: I have committed no crimes, and I will not allow protected speech, journalism, and political criticism to be falsely twisted into criminal conduct. I <strong>will not</strong> accept a plea deal just to make this go away. The statute I have been charged under is, in my view, highly questionable, especially when applied to political speech, journalism, and public criticism. It may ultimately be a statute that higher courts determine cannot survive constitutional scrutiny. Apparently, we may now have to litigate whether Americans are still allowed to criticize government actors without being dragged into court. What a thriving civic experiment.
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<div>I do not know how long this fight will last. I do not know how far this case may have to go through the courts. It may end quickly, or it may require appeals through the federal system, potentially reaching the <strong>Mississippi Court of Appeals</strong> or even the <strong>Mississippi Supreme Court</strong>. If that is what it takes, then that is what it takes. <strong>I am willing to put everything on the line to clear my name, defend my rights, and stand up for the principle that citizens should not face criminal punishment for speaking critically about public matters.</strong>
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<div>The financial burden of defending against criminal charges is substantial. Attorney fees, court costs, records requests, expert consultations, transcripts, filings, and the time required to properly defend myself are expenses that add up quickly, especially in a prolonged legal battle. I am asking for help from anyone who believes in free speech, government accountability, independent journalism, and the right of citizens to question those in power without fear of retaliation.
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<div>Every donation, share, and message of support helps more than you know. I intend to fight this legally, publicly, and transparently. <strong>Thank you to everyone standing beside me during this fight.</strong>
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Anne Guthrie

Anonymous

Peggy O'Neal

Frank Allara

Kay Kepper

Cassie Killpack

Rafael Perez

Lesley Isaacs

Captain Hook

Defending Political Free Speech in Biloxi

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Defending Political Free Speech in Biloxi

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