Media groups ask judge not to seal records in Harnett sheriff lawsuit

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Five North Carolina media companies told a federal court this week that they oppose a move to keep records secret in a lawsuit against the Harnett County Sheriff's Office over excessive use of force.

Six Harnett County residents filed a suit in November 2016 alleging that Harnett County deputies have engaged for years in a pattern of wrongful conduct ignored by former Sheriff Larry Rollins and his successor, Wayne Coats. 

Attorneys representing the sheriff's office filed a motion to seal deposition transcripts, exhibits and other discovery material on the grounds that the evidence includes confidential personnel and law enforcement documents.

In a filing on Thursday, a coalition of media companies including The News & Observer, WTVD Television and Capitol Broadcasting Company, the parent company of WRAL-TV and WRAL.com, argued there was no compelling need to seal the documents. 

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