County files tort claim against local resident

A civil tort was filed in Circuit Court II by Owen County’s County Attorney Tony Overholt today, April 13, against local resident Pamela Rogers. 

Rogers is also a candidate for county surveyor on the Republican ticket against incumbent Amy Meier. 

The complaint for declaratory judgment and permanent injunction claims that “in January 2025, Rogers began a campaign to overwhelm employees of Owen County with public records requests, other requests for information and complaints about county government.” 

It also says that since that time, Rogers has sent more than 6,600 emails to 200 recipients associated with Owen County. 

Those individuals, according to the filing, have received more than 44,000 emails from Rogers’ personal email account. The filing also states that each request requires review from one or more county employees in a county with limited resources. 

“Owen County currently employs only a small number of people in administrative roles who respond to public records and other inquiries,” the filing reads. “Rogers’ deluge of emails—likely sent using an automated system or process or with the aid of such a system or process—interferes with Owen County’s responsibilities and impairs its ability to assist other residents.”

The filing has two counts. The first concerns public records requests. 

Count one requests that the court require Rogers to submit all future public records requests utilizing a specified form submitted in person, via mail or through a commercial third-party carrier.

“Owen County does not seek to curtail Rogers’ rights under ARPA (Indiana Access to Public Records Act), the United States Constitution or the Indiana Constitution,” the filing reads. “Rather, Owen County requests only a declaration that it may lawfully restrict the form of Rogers’ public records requests so that Owen County may serve all its residents.” 

The first count also requests reasonable costs of bringing the action. 

The second count concerns whether or not it constitutes a nuisance. 

“Through her constant and repetitive emailing of Owen County’s public officials, Rogers obstructs the free use of Owen County’s information technology systems and interferes with the use and enjoyment of those systems,” the filing reads under count two. “Rogers’ conduct also interferes with Owen County’s ability to deliver services to Owen County residents, thus interfering with a right common to the general public.” 

The filing alleges that this is a nuisance and requests a permanent injunction prohibiting Rogers from communicating with Owen County officials by email and allowing the county to block emails sent from any email address owned or controlled by Rogers. 

It also requests reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees for bringing the action, along with all other appropriate relief.