Materials used to search journalist’s home remain under seal

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Media groups are frustrated that materials used to execute search warrants against a San Francisco journalist remain sealed even after the police chief acknowledged the searches were probably illegal.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Victor Hwang on Friday scheduled another hearing for arguments on whether to unseal materials used to execute a May 10 search of Bryan Carmody’s office.

Carmody was cuffed for hours as police searched his home and office, outraging media advocates who say the raids violate the state’s shield law that protects journalists.

San Francisco police say that unsealing search warrant records may jeopardize a criminal investigation, although police counsel Ronnie Wagner could not say if there is one.

The First Amendment Coalition’s David Snyder said Friday that the delays have become outlandish.