Megan Valentine has been found in indirect civil contempt of court for failing to provide the passcode to her iPhone 15, as ordered by the court. The decision was handed down last Friday by Judge William Thurston. Valentine is awaiting trial for the November 5th, 2024, shooting death of her husband, Edwards County Circuit Judge Michael Valentine of Albion. The contempt finding follows a hearing held on September 25th during which prosecutors asked the court to hold Valentine in contempt for refusing to unlock her phone.
During the hearing, Valentine’s sister testified that Megan had previously experienced difficulty remembering a password “a few years ago.” The court also reviewed an exhibit listing numerous passwords and passcodes, as well as references to several computers, tablets, and phones in the household.
Both the prosecution and defense stipulated that Megan had accessed her iPhone referenced in the Petition for Rule to Show Cause. Judge Thurston found Valentine in indirect civil contempt for failing to provide the passcode, stating that Valentine “may purge herself of contempt by providing the proper pass code and/or other access means which unlocks the phone, a reasonable time before trial.”
Judge Thurston further stated that if Valentine does not unlock her phone before trial, the jury will be instructed regarding the circumstances and timeline related to the state’s inability to access the iPhone under a valid search warrant.
Valentine remains in custody at the White County Jail in Carmi for Edwards County authorities, pending a December 19th pretrial hearing.