Catherine Herridge, the esteemed investigative reporter who was fired last week by CBS, had her personal files seized by network officials, according to a new report.
Ms. Herridge garnered national attention as she expounded on the Hunter Biden laptop story — only to be unexpectedly terminated. But sources acquainted with the events say the seizure of her personal files is “unprecedented,” the New York Post reported.
“They never seize documents [when you’re let go],” a second source close to the network said. “They want to see what damaging documents she has.”
Insiders are notably perturbed by the company’s decision to retain the reporter’s personal files and her CBS work laptop, which may hold sensitive information. One concern is that the materials might include privileged data from Ms. Herridge‘s previous and current assignments at Fox News and CBS.
According to accounts, while other personal effects were packed, Ms. Herridge‘s notes and documents were withheld by CBS News pending a decision on their potential return to her.
A spokesperson for CBS refuted any intention to inappropriately retain Ms. Herridge‘s information. The network highlighted its compliance with Ms. Herridge‘s request not to examine the files and has taken measures to protect the confidentiality of sources by keeping her former office secure.
The seizure has brought added scrutiny because of Ms. Herridge‘s entanglement with a First Amendment case being watched by the journalistic community nationwide. There is mounting apprehension that CBS’ hold on Ms. Herridge‘s documents could potentially affect the case, particularly if these documents include privileged communications or reveal source identities.
Jonathan Turley, a legal scholar and a former CBS legal analyst who first broke the story about the file seizure in an article for The Hill, said the timing of her firing is suspicious.
“She was pursuing stories that were unwelcomed by the Biden White House and many Democratic powerhouses, including the [special counsel Robert] Hur report on Joe Biden‘s diminished mental capacity, the Biden corruption scandal and the Hunter Biden laptop,” Mr. Turley wrote.
• Washington Times Staff can be reached at 202-636-3000.