East Central Reporter

Shelby County is currently embroiled in a legal dispute over a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request related to the local Dive Team. The case arose following an investigation that uncovered over $24,000 in donated funds meant for the Shelby County Dive Team, which were found deposited into a non-governmental account.

In pursuit of transparency, a FOIA request was submitted for records concerning the Dive Team's finances. However, Austin Prichard, the Dive Commander appointed on April 11, 2024, declined to provide these records. Prichard stated, "The Shelby County Board formed the Shelby County Dive Team in July of 2023, I was appointed to commander on April 11, 2024, therefore I have no records responsive to your request."

Despite advice from the State’s Attorney to comply with transparency laws, Prichard did not amend his response. This led to the filing of a FOIA lawsuit against him. The county has historically faced no issues with FOIA compliance from any department.

The lawsuit has drawn criticism from some local figures who perceive it as an attack on the Dive Team or its operations. Jake Cole, husband of County Board member Carol Cole, has been identified as propagating this view. However, those behind the lawsuit assert that their action targets only Prichard's refusal to release public records and not the Dive Team itself.

Previously, similar legal action was taken by Decatur Harold & Review against Shelby County officials for executive session records of an illegal meeting.