Shawn Paul Reyes, founder of Long Island Audit, shares an in-depth account of his arrest following an incident at Brian Fehee's residence. He discusses his First Amendment rights, the alleged retaliation by law enforcement, the charges filed against him, and ongoing legal battles. Reyes emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Shawn Paul Reyes, the creator of Long Island Audit, a media company dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in government and law enforcement, recently gave a comprehensive virtual interview regarding his arrest following an incident at the residence of Brian Fehee in Graten, Connecticut. This interview, which the town of Graten and its police department reportedly did not want the public to see, sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the charges filed against Reyes, and his ongoing legal battles.
Long Island Audit Inc., incorporated in New York State, was founded by Reyes five years ago. The company focuses on government accountability, transparency, and investigations, particularly involving law enforcement and district attorney offices. Reyes also engages in speaking engagements and training sessions with law enforcement agencies, sharing insights on how to interact with First Amendment auditors.
Reyes has conducted audits and trainings with various police departments and district attorney offices without receiving direct payment. His work includes recording and posting videos on his social media platforms, including YouTube, where he has amassed a significant following.
Reyes had interacted with Brian Fehee on two prior occasions before the July 11, 2025 incident. The first interaction occurred in the summer of 2021, and the second in the summer of 2023. Reyes had never been to Fehee's residence before the July 11 incident.
On July 11, 2025, Reyes went to Fehee's residence to ask questions about Fehee's overtime pay, which Reyes believed was unusually high based on his own investigation through public records. Reyes also intended to protest Fehee's alleged misconduct using a billboard truck, which he considers a First Amendment protected activity.
Fehee's residence is located on a cul-de-sac with a long shared driveway branching into two properties. Reyes noted the presence of a "Private Road, Dead End, No Turnaround" sign at the driveway's entrance, which he interpreted as a traffic sign rather than a no trespassing sign. A no trespassing sign was later found lying in the grass but was not visible to Reyes during the incident.
Reyes and his cameraman, Taheem Glover, approached the property with the intent to record the interaction. Fehee answered the door and told Reyes to leave, claiming there was a no trespassing sign. Reyes disputed this, stating no such sign was visible. As Reyes began to leave, Fehee came outside with a gun in his hand, charged at Reyes, bumped him, and then spit in his face and mouth. Fehee was on the phone with 911 during this confrontation, falsely claiming Reyes threatened to kill him.
The Graten Police Department arrived shortly after the incident. Reyes reported that the officers took Fehee's gun and attempted to deescalate the situation. However, Reyes felt the officers were biased in favor of Fehee, who is a law enforcement officer with ties to the police chief.
Reyes and his cameraman were arrested on charges including breach of peace, voyeurism, and criminal trespass. Reyes was initially given a bond of $10,000, which was later increased to $75,000, a decision he believes was retaliatory and influenced by higher authorities within the police department.
Reyes was charged with felony voyeurism, breach of peace, and criminal trespass. All original charges except criminal trespass in the third degree were dismissed by the state's attorney, who substituted the charges accordingly. Reyes is currently representing himself pro se and awaiting trial.
Reyes has filed a lawsuit against Brian Fehee and other state police officers related to incidents in 2021 and 2023. The lawsuit alleges First Amendment violations and misconduct. The case is currently on hold pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings against Reyes.
Reyes alleges that his arrest was a retaliatory act against his First Amendment protected activities, including protesting with a billboard truck and knocking on Fehee's door as a journalist. He emphasizes that recording law enforcement officers and protesting are constitutionally protected rights.
Reyes and his cameraman recorded the entire interaction. Reyes edited the publicly posted videos for brevity and to blur out Fehee's home address but maintains that the footage accurately represents the events. The police body camera footage was heavily redacted, particularly the audio involving Fehee.
The no trespassing sign was not visible to Reyes during the incident and was found lying in the grass by officers after the fact. Reyes argues that there was no clear notice that he was trespassing.
Reyes criticizes the police reports as contradictory and subjective, noting that some officers wrote their reports without reviewing body camera footage. He believes the investigation was biased and aimed at justifying his arrest rather than objectively assessing the incident.
Reyes notes that law enforcement officers who are familiar with him tend to interact more professionally and smoothly. However, officers unfamiliar with him or his work often react negatively. He stresses that his work is not anti-police but focused on holding law enforcement accountable.
Reyes accuses the Graten Police Department of abusing their authority and engaging in misconduct related to his arrest and the handling of the incident. He also denies any involvement in death threats allegedly sent to Fehee, condemning such actions.
Shawn Paul Reyes' interview provides a detailed account of his experience with law enforcement following his attempt to hold a public official accountable. His case highlights issues surrounding First Amendment rights, police accountability, and the challenges faced by citizen journalists and auditors. The ongoing legal proceedings will further clarify the outcomes of these serious allegations.
Reyes continues to advocate for transparency and urges citizens to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and lawfully.
Long Island Audit remains committed to documenting and exposing government and law enforcement misconduct, emphasizing the importance of accountability in a democratic society.
Reyes expressed gratitude to his supporters and encouraged viewers to share his story widely to raise awareness about his case and the broader issues it represents.
