After thinking about it here's what I think it comes down to:
There is no conspiracy. At least in the sense I don't believe mommy and daddy Rekieta are greasing palms behind the scenes to save their junkie fuckup son from further embarrassment.
Kandiyohi County isn't trying to protect the reputation of Nick Rekieta. They don't like him. They fucking hate him. He's a laughingstock, a pariah, and a huge embarrassment to their community. Kandiyohi County is trying to protect the reputation of Kandiyohi County. That's why they did this underhanded loop-holey bullshit to block the bodycam footage's release.
They don't want images of Nick the skelly crackhead and his disgusting drug den being posted online and associated with where they live. That's it. That's the extent of the conspiracy. That it also happens to line up with what Nick wants is just a happy accident for him.
I have no idea how this lawsuit is going to shake out but I'm choosing to remain a Positive Polly regardless. I don't expect them to just roll over, but are they really gonna fight this to the bitter end? For Nick? Nah, c'mon, fuck that guy!
I think at best Nick's been granted a stay of execution. Come hell or high water that footage is eventually coming out. And I think on some level Nick knows that too, which is why he seems so deflated when today should've be a huge W for him.