TRENTON -- A man who believed he was blocked from accessing the Trenton Police Department's Facebook page has won a lawsuit against the city seeking documents about the agency's social media policies.

Mercer County Assignment Judge Mary C. Jacobson this week also ordered the city to cover legal fees for Richard Lord, of Edison. Lord said he posted comments on the police force's Facebook page criticizing the arrest of marijuana activist Ed Forchion, known as NJ Weedman. The lawsuit was first reported by activist John Paff on his NJ Open Government blog.

Lord realized his criticisms were removed and he was banned from accessing the department's social media page, according to the suit. In response to a public records request, the city gave Lord a list of users blocked from the police Facebook page. Lord noticed his name wasn't on the list even though he was still banned from the page, court documents said.

Lord filed another public records request after reports surfaced that the police page was deactivated in response to a memo from Trenton Clerk Richard Kachmar, according to the suit. Officials denied the request under the state Open Public Records Act, claiming the document was "deliberative" because it contained advice on the not-yet adopted social media policy.

Lord also wanted an updated list of accounts blocked or banned from viewing the police department's Facebook page.

The judge found the clerk's memo was not exempt from being released under state public records laws. Officials must release the document or appeal by Nov. 4.

Officials later restored the department's Facebook page, but would not comment on the decision.

Trenton police have faced criticism over the arrest of Forchion, an advocate for legal marijuana. Authorities raided his Joint restaurant and "cannabis church" in April. Forchion in August rejected a plea deal on drug charges.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.