The “Democrat and Chronicle” is asking a federal magistrate to unseal the criminal indictment against the late Assemblyman Bill Nojay. The news organization says it filed papers in U.S. District Court today, arguing that the public has a right to know the specific allegations against Nojay, who took his own life on the morning he was supposed to hear those charges read.
The D&C’s lawyer argues the case is even more compelling because Bill Nojay was a public official. It says keeping the record sealed also could imply that Nojay is getting preferential treatment in death not given to others.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has declined to comment on the charges against Nojay.