JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City, Kansas involving two 14-year-olds have identified the victims as&nbsp;Samuel Guess and Antonio Johnson. 

Just before 1a.m. Friday police responded to an apartment at 2200 Birch Drive between Silver City Park and Argentine Middle School where they found two juveniles dead of apparent gunshot wounds, according to a media release.

Police released no suspect information and are asking the public for tips that might lead to an arrest.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before 1a.m. Friday police responded to an apartment at 2200 Birch Drive where they found two juveniles dead of apparent gunshot wounds inside a residence, according to a media release.

Police released no suspect information or additional details early Friday.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City, Kansas involving two 14-year-olds have identified the victims as&nbsp;Samuel Guess and Antonio Johnson. Just before 1a.m. Friday police responded to an apartment at 2200 Birch Drive between Silver City Park and Argentine Middle School where they found two juveniles dead of apparent gunshot wounds, according to a media release.Police released no suspect information and are asking the public for tips that might lead to an arrest.---------JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City, Kansas.Just before 1a.m. Friday police responded to an apartment at 2200 Birch Drive where they found two juveniles dead of apparent gunshot wounds inside a residence, according to a media release.Police released no suspect information or additional details early Friday.

Police ID two 14-year-olds found dead at Kansas home

By PAUL HAMMEL&nbsp;AND&nbsp;AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/18/groene-denies-accusations-that-he-took-objectifying-photos-of-his-legislative-aide/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State Sen. Mike Groene announced that he was resigning Friday afternoon, just a couple of hours after denying accusations that he took sexually inappropriate photographs of a female legislative aide.

Gov. Pete Ricketts issued a statement saying that he has spoken with Groene and “we both agreed it was best for him to resign.”

Groene, 66, was elected to the Nebraska Legislature eight years ago, and was barred from running again due to term limits.

An official letter of resignation Groene, an often outspoken lawmaker known for his fiery floor speeches, was expected to come early next week.

“I am not going to drag my wife, family and friends through the fight it would take to defend myself,” the senator said in a text. “I am resigning and dropping out of politics completely. Life is too short.”

Groene, 66, said that he is dropping out of the race for University of Nebraska Board of Regents, a campaign he announced only two days ago.

“I am cutting contact with all things political,” he said. “I am going to just exist and enjoy my remaining days.”

The development came quickly after an Omaha-based website reported, and legislative leaders confirmed, that a legislative aide of the senator had filed a complaint that Groene had taken inappropriate photographs of her while in their State Capitol office.

The chairman of the Legislature’s Executive Board, State Sen. Dan Hughes, confirmed Friday afternoon that a workplace harassment complaint had been lodged against Groene and that it was being taken “very seriously.”

That came after the Nebraska Sunrise News reported that Kristina&nbsp;Konecko, who had worked on and off for Groene for six years, had lodged a complaint over photos of herself that she had discovered on Groene’s laptop computer.

Konecko, according to the website, considered the photos inappropriate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The pictures appeared to have been taken by Groene and then emailed from him to other parties with email captions of a sexual nature,” the website reported.

Konecko described the photos as “objectifying and demeaning.” The Sunrise News story said some were “zoom-close-ups of provocative body parts with explicit subject lines.”

Konecko declined to comment Friday when reached by the Nebraska Examiner.

Groene told the Nebraska Examiner on&nbsp;Friday that he had taken some individual photos of Konecko in his office, but he denied that they were sexual in nature. He said that they depicted her full body, not “body parts” as has been claimed.

“There were not pictures that were zoomed in or anything,” he said.&nbsp;

“In today’s world, if you want to take a picture of someone, you should say ‘I’m taking a picture.’ But I didn’t, and I apologized for it,” said Groene.

Groene, of North Platte, said legislative IT workers had gone through his computer and discovered nothing that would be considered sexually inappropriate.

He said that he had given Konecko access to his personal computer to screen and “clean up” unwanted emails. That’s when she discovered the photos.

Groene maintained that he had never treated the legislative aide as a “sexual object.” He said he had taken about 20 photographs of Konecko with other visitors to his office, including his wife, but said he had also taken a few of his aide individually.

“She’s kind of a strait-laced person, and I guess I did something I shouldn’t have,” said Groene.

About three or four weeks ago, the senator said, he was informed that Konecko was offended after discovering the photographs. That, Groene said, is when he apologized.

“I am keeping my part of the bargain,” he said.

But all that changed later Friday afternoon when Groene offered to submit his resignation to Ricketts.

Complaints about inappropriate behavior by a senator or legislative staff member are handled by the Executive Board of the Legislature, which is headed by Hughes.&nbsp;

Jane Kleeb, the chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, lashed out at Groene on Friday, saying it was an example of the “corruption and harassment” that happens when one party, the Republican Party, dominates a state.

“This is despicable and the latest in a string of inappropriate behavior by Republican officials,” Kleeb said in a statement. “Groene should resign and the public deserves to know all the other senators or staff involved.”

Kleeb cited a handful of cases over the years, including the resignation of State Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion for using a state computer for cybersex, and Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, who stepped down after it was discovered he used a state cell phone to make dozens of calls to women other than his wife.

Groene insisted he treated Konecko “like a daughter” and had always maintained a professional relationship with her.

&nbsp;“If I’m going to be drug through the mud on the floor (of the Legislature), I’ll resign,” Groene said only a couple of hours before submitting his resignation.

Later, after confirming his resignation, the senator said he needed to focus on “eternity and my family.”

“Feels like a ton of bricks have been taken off my back,” he texted.

Groene, a registered Republican, was a fiery speaker in the Legislature, often railing against spending and tax policies. He unsuccessfully sought major changes in how state aid to schools was distributed while chairman of the Legislature’s Education Committee, then lost his chairmanship last year due to his often gruff and abrasive personality.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645228180620.png" alt="Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL&nbsp;AND&nbsp;AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/18/groene-denies-accusations-that-he-took-objectifying-photos-of-his-legislative-aide/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — State Sen. Mike Groene announced that he was resigning Friday afternoon, just a couple of hours after denying accusations that he took sexually inappropriate photographs of a female legislative aide.Gov. Pete Ricketts issued a statement saying that he has spoken with Groene and “we both agreed it was best for him to resign.”Groene, 66, was elected to the Nebraska Legislature eight years ago, and was barred from running again due to term limits.An official letter of resignation Groene, an often outspoken lawmaker known for his fiery floor speeches, was expected to come early next week.“I am not going to drag my wife, family and friends through the fight it would take to defend myself,” the senator said in a text. “I am resigning and dropping out of politics completely. Life is too short.”Groene, 66, said that he is dropping out of the race for University of Nebraska Board of Regents, a campaign he announced only two days ago.“I am cutting contact with all things political,” he said. “I am going to just exist and enjoy my remaining days.”The development came quickly after an Omaha-based website reported, and legislative leaders confirmed, that a legislative aide of the senator had filed a complaint that Groene had taken inappropriate photographs of her while in their State Capitol office.The chairman of the Legislature’s Executive Board, State Sen. Dan Hughes, confirmed Friday afternoon that a workplace harassment complaint had been lodged against Groene and that it was being taken “very seriously.”That came after the Nebraska Sunrise News reported that Kristina&nbsp;Konecko, who had worked on and off for Groene for six years, had lodged a complaint over photos of herself that she had discovered on Groene’s laptop computer.Konecko, according to the website, considered the photos inappropriate.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The pictures appeared to have been taken by Groene and then emailed from him to other parties with email captions of a sexual nature,” the website reported.<h2>‘Objectifying and demeaning’</h2>Konecko described the photos as “objectifying and demeaning.” The Sunrise News story said some were “zoom-close-ups of provocative body parts with explicit subject lines.”Konecko declined to comment Friday when reached by the Nebraska Examiner.Groene told the Nebraska Examiner on&nbsp;Friday that he had taken some individual photos of Konecko in his office, but he denied that they were sexual in nature. He said that they depicted her full body, not “body parts” as has been claimed.“There were not pictures that were zoomed in or anything,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘I apologized’</h2>“In today’s world, if you want to take a picture of someone, you should say ‘I’m taking a picture.’ But I didn’t, and I apologized for it,” said Groene.Groene, of North Platte, said legislative IT workers had gone through his computer and discovered nothing that would be considered sexually inappropriate.He said that he had given Konecko access to his personal computer to screen and “clean up” unwanted emails. That’s when she discovered the photos.<h2>Not a ‘sexual object’</h2>Groene maintained that he had never treated the legislative aide as a “sexual object.” He said he had taken about 20 photographs of Konecko with other visitors to his office, including his wife, but said he had also taken a few of his aide individually.“She’s kind of a strait-laced person, and I guess I did something I shouldn’t have,” said Groene.About three or four weeks ago, the senator said, he was informed that Konecko was offended after discovering the photographs. That, Groene said, is when he apologized.“I am keeping my part of the bargain,” he said.But all that changed later Friday afternoon when Groene offered to submit his resignation to Ricketts.Complaints about inappropriate behavior by a senator or legislative staff member are handled by the Executive Board of the Legislature, which is headed by Hughes.&nbsp;<h2>‘This is despicable’</h2>Jane Kleeb, the chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, lashed out at Groene on Friday, saying it was an example of the “corruption and harassment” that happens when one party, the Republican Party, dominates a state.“This is despicable and the latest in a string of inappropriate behavior by Republican officials,” Kleeb said in a statement. “Groene should resign and the public deserves to know all the other senators or staff involved.”Kleeb cited a handful of cases over the years, including the resignation of State Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion for using a state computer for cybersex, and Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, who stepped down after it was discovered he used a state cell phone to make dozens of calls to women other than his wife.Groene insisted he treated Konecko “like a daughter” and had always maintained a professional relationship with her.&nbsp;“If I’m going to be drug through the mud on the floor (of the Legislature), I’ll resign,” Groene said only a couple of hours before submitting his resignation.Later, after confirming his resignation, the senator said he needed to focus on “eternity and my family.”“Feels like a ton of bricks have been taken off my back,” he texted.Groene, a registered Republican, was a fiery speaker in the Legislature, often railing against spending and tax policies. He unsuccessfully sought major changes in how state aid to schools was distributed while chairman of the Legislature’s Education Committee, then lost his chairmanship last year due to his often gruff and abrasive personality.

Neb. rep resigning after accusations he took ‘objectifying’ photos of aide

HUTCHINSON —Inmate Gabriel Sanchez Jr. has been apprehended after being placed on escape status Friday from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Minimum Custody South Unit, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Local law enforcement, the Kansas Highway Patrol and KDOC officials collaborated in the search and arrest.

Sanchez is currently serving a sentence for convictions in Reno County for assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and fleeing/eluding local law enforcement.

The escape is currently being investigated.

&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections inmate Gabriel Sanchez Jr. has been placed on escape status from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Minimum Custody South Unit, according to the statement from the KDOC.

Local law enforcement and the Kansas Highway Patrol are aiding in the search.

Sanchez, a 29-year-old while male, has brown&nbsp; hair, brown eyes, is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 254 pounds.

Anyone with information on Sanches can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.

The escape is currently being investigated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645214336468.png" alt="Sanchez-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Sanchez-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON —Inmate Gabriel Sanchez Jr. has been apprehended after being placed on escape status Friday from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Minimum Custody South Unit, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Local law enforcement, the Kansas Highway Patrol and KDOC officials collaborated in the search and arrest.Sanchez is currently serving a sentence for convictions in Reno County for assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and fleeing/eluding local law enforcement.The escape is currently being investigated.---------&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections inmate Gabriel Sanchez Jr. has been placed on escape status from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Minimum Custody South Unit, according to the statement from the KDOC.Local law enforcement and the Kansas Highway Patrol are aiding in the search.Sanchez, a 29-year-old while male, has brown&nbsp; hair, brown eyes, is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 254 pounds.Sanchez is currently serving a sentence for convictions in Reno County for assault and battery of a law enforcement officer and fleeing/eluding local law enforcement.Anyone with information on Sanches can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.The escape is currently being investigated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Inmate who escaped Hutch Correctional Facility captured

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday signed a bipartisan bill to extend government funding for three weeks to give Congress more time to reach an overdue deal financing federal agencies through the rest of the fiscal year, the White House announced.

The Senate approved the measure Thursday by a bipartisan 65-27 vote, five more than the 60 votes needed, after the House easily approved the legislation last week. Each party had concluded that an election-year shutdown would be politically damaging, especially during a pandemic and a confrontation with Russia over its possible invasion of Ukraine.

Both parties hope the short-term measure will be the last one needed as negotiators craft compromise bills financing agencies through Sept. 30. Since the government’s budget year began last Oct. 1, federal agencies have functioned at spending levels approved in the waning weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency.

The new spending bills will be bipartisan compromises but will let Biden and Democrats controlling Congress put more of a stamp on spending priorities. They also are expected to provide defense increases the GOP wants.

In recent decades Congress has routinely finished its budget work months late. Averting shutdowns prompted by partisan point-scoring has become an accomplishment, not a given.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645218431708.png" alt="President Biden spoke to reporters outside the White House-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden spoke to reporters outside the White House-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday signed a bipartisan bill to extend government funding for three weeks to give Congress more time to reach an overdue deal financing federal agencies through the rest of the fiscal year, the White House announced.The Senate approved the measure Thursday by a bipartisan 65-27 vote, five more than the 60 votes needed, after the House easily approved the legislation last week. Each party had concluded that an election-year shutdown would be politically damaging, especially during a pandemic and a confrontation with Russia over its possible invasion of Ukraine.Both parties hope the short-term measure will be the last one needed as negotiators craft compromise bills financing agencies through Sept. 30. Since the government’s budget year began last Oct. 1, federal agencies have functioned at spending levels approved in the waning weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency.The new spending bills will be bipartisan compromises but will let Biden and Democrats controlling Congress put more of a stamp on spending priorities. They also are expected to provide defense increases the GOP wants.In recent decades Congress has routinely finished its budget work months late. Averting shutdowns prompted by partisan point-scoring has become an accomplishment, not a given.

Another short-term spending bill averts government shutdown 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Fire officials say a woman and two dogs died in a house fire early Friday north of Topeka. Station WIBW-AM reports that Soldier Township fire crews were called around 1 a.m. Friday to the home about 8 miles north of Topeka. 

Battalion Chief Chad Lady says firefighters arrived to find the house collapsed and fully engulfed in flames. Lady said fire crews later found the bodies of the woman and two dogs inside.

Authorities have not released the woman's name. An investigator from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was at the scene Friday to try to determine the cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645205896217.png" alt="Scene of the fatal Friday morning fire north of Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the fatal Friday morning fire north of Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Fire officials say a woman and two dogs died in a house fire early Friday north of Topeka. Station WIBW-AM reports that Soldier Township fire crews were called around 1 a.m. Friday to the home about 8 miles north of Topeka. Battalion Chief Chad Lady says firefighters arrived to find the house collapsed and fully engulfed in flames. Lady said fire crews later found the bodies of the woman and two dogs inside.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645205680727.png" alt="Photo WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities have not released the woman's name. An investigator from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was at the scene Friday to try to determine the cause of the fire.

Officials: Woman, dogs killed in Kansas house fire 

By ROD ZOOK Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The investigation continues into the three major wildfires that burned areas east of Hutchinson in the past week. All three fires were caused by smoldering brush piles that may not have been properly tended to.&nbsp;

The fires may change the way the county deals with that type of burning.

“There was a committee put together to look at the existing ordinance and if there’s better ways and alternatives&nbsp; to do business with that burn ordinance within Reno County,” Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer said. “That group wrapped up December's meeting with recommendations that are being put together. These recommendations will be presented to the Reno County Board of Commissioners in the near future.”

Beer says that when any type of burning is done it is the responsibility of the landowner to make sure that the smoldering brush pile is tended to until the fire is completely out. He says that there could even be legal action coming to those who are found responsible for such fires:

“It’s the responsibility of the landowner, '' Beer said. “If you’re going to light up 70 brush piles or whatever, you have to maintain them. That’s your responsibility and if they get away from you you’re going to be held liable.”

The county has been pushing to have property owners clear out trees and other debris from the areas prone to wildfires in order to protect their homes and property, but disposing of those trees also adds to the problem if not done properly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644954584096.jpeg" alt="Photo-Courtesy Grant Wray" />
 <figcaption>Photo-Courtesy Grant Wray</figcaption>
 </figure> By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The investigation continues into the three major wildfires that burned areas east of Hutchinson in the past week. All three fires were caused by smoldering brush piles that may not have been properly tended to.&nbsp;The fires may change the way the county deals with that type of burning.“There was a committee put together to look at the existing ordinance and if there’s better ways and alternatives&nbsp; to do business with that burn ordinance within Reno County,” Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer said. “That group wrapped up December's meeting with recommendations that are being put together. These recommendations will be presented to the Reno County Board of Commissioners in the near future.”Beer says that when any type of burning is done it is the responsibility of the landowner to make sure that the smoldering brush pile is tended to until the fire is completely out. He says that there could even be legal action coming to those who are found responsible for such fires:“It’s the responsibility of the landowner, '' Beer said. “If you’re going to light up 70 brush piles or whatever, you have to maintain them. That’s your responsibility and if they get away from you you’re going to be held liable.”The county has been pushing to have property owners clear out trees and other debris from the areas prone to wildfires in order to protect their homes and property, but disposing of those trees also adds to the problem if not done properly.

Investigation continues into recent Reno County wildfires

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,482 to a total of 762,081, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The state reported 17 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,907.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,482 to a total of 762,081, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;The state reported 17 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,907.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645207395331.png" alt="Friday February 18, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 18, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,480 new cases, 17 additional COVID-19 deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she confused her handgun for her Taser when she fatally shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-coronavirus-pandemic-minneapolis-d88c7d626eebcdea975dc249309a4fa5">Daunte Wright</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Friday to two years in prison, a penalty below state guidelines after the judge found mitigating factors warranted a lesser sentence.

Kim Potter was convicted in December of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 killing of Wright, a 20-year-old Black motorist. She was sentenced only on the more serious charge in accordance with state law.

For someone with no criminal history, such as Potter, the state guidelines on that charge range from slightly more than six years to about 8 1/2 years in prison, with the presumptive sentence being just over seven years.

Prosecutors said the presumptive sentence was proper, but defense attorneys asked for a sentence below the guidelines, including a sentence of probation only.

Judge Regina Chu imposed the sentence after hearing from Wright’s family and Potter.

Wright’s mother said she will never be able to forgive Potter and would only refer to her as “the defendant” because Potter only referred to her 20-year-old son as “the driver” at trial.

“She never once said his name. And for that I’ll never be able to forgive you. And I’ll never be able to forgive you for what you’ve stolen from us,” a tearful Wright said.

“A police officer who was supposed to serve and protect so much took so much away from us ... My life and my world will never ever be the same again,” she said, adding later: “Daunte Demetrius Wright, I will continue to fight in your name until driving while black is no longer a death sentence.”

Wright was killed after Brooklyn Center officers pulled him over for having expired license tags and an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. The shooting, which came in the midst of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder charges</a>&nbsp;in George Floyd’s killing, sparked several days of demonstrations outside the Brooklyn Center police station marked by tear gas and clashes between protesters and police.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-arrests-ea3f946497f367662842bb08c1b8e242">Potter</a>&nbsp;was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kim-potter-guilty-manslaughter-death-of-daunte-wright-43e70645189bf61be64fc00534adf388">convicted in December of first- and second-degree manslaughter</a>&nbsp;in the April 11 killing. She’ll be sentenced only on the most serious charge of first-degree manslaughter, which carries a presumptive penalty of just over seven years in prison.

Prosecutor Matt Frank said Friday that he believed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-minnesota-minneapolis-bf13b1c196cb3badbc453c6083810beb">presumptive sentence is appropriate</a>, given the loss of life and Potter’s culpable negligence.

“His life mattered, and that life was taken,” Frank said. “His name is Daunte Wright. We have to say his name. He was not just a driver. He was a living human being. A life.”

Defense attorney Paul Engh told the judge that Wright’s death was “beyond tragic for everybody involved.” But, he added: “This was an unintentional crime. It was an accident. It was a mistake.”

Engh held up a box displaying what he said were among “thousands” of letters and cards of support for Potter.

“People took the time to write her,” Engh said. “This is unheard of for a defendant. I dare say no one in this room has ever seen anything like this.”

He urged the judge to sentence Potter to probation, saying sentencing guidelines are often not followed because they are too high for many defendants, including first-time offenders. He said Potter would be willing to meet with Wright’s family and to speak to police officers about Taser mixups.

If Potter is not sentenced to probation, then she should get a lower-than-usual sentence because Wright was the aggressor, Engh said. The testimony of other officers on the scene showed it was a dangerous situation because Wright was attempting to drive away, he said.

“This was an aggressive act. I don’t know how it couldn’t be an aggressive act,” said Engh, who also said Potter had the right to defend other officers and that she never should have been charged with first-degree manslaughter.

Evidence at Potter’s trial showed officers learned he had an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge and they tried to arrest him when he pulled away. Video showed Potter shouted several times that she was going to use her Taser on Wright, but she had her gun in her hand and fired one shot into his chest.

Potter has been at the state’s women’s prison in Shakopee since the guilty verdict. Her attorney said Friday that her mental and physical health has declined because she is isolated for her safety.

“If you send her to prison, you will harm her,” Engh said. “We are not in the business of harming defendants.”

Potter was also expected to make a statement.

Wright’s father and siblings earlier addressed the court to speak of their loss.

The mother of Wright’s son, Chyna Whitaker, said Friday that Wright would never have a chance to play ball with his son, or see him go to school.

“My son shouldn’t have to wear a ‘rest in peace’ shirt of his dad,” Whitaker said.

For someone with no criminal history, such as Potter, the state sentencing guidelines for first-degree manslaughter call for a penalty ranging from slightly more than six years to about 8 1/2 years in prison, with the presumptive sentence being just over seven years.

In Minnesota, it’s presumed that inmates who show good behavior will serve two-thirds of their sentence in prison and the rest on supervised release, commonly known as parole. That means if Potter gets the roughly seven-year presumptive sentence, she would serve about four years and nine months in custody, with the rest on parole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640352112509.png" alt="Potter's booking photo shows her smiling following her conviction in December 2021-photo&nbsp; Hennepin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Potter's booking photo shows her smiling following her conviction in December 2021-photo&nbsp; Hennepin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she confused her handgun for her Taser when she fatally shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-police-coronavirus-pandemic-minneapolis-d88c7d626eebcdea975dc249309a4fa5">Daunte Wright</a>&nbsp;was sentenced Friday to two years in prison, a penalty below state guidelines after the judge found mitigating factors warranted a lesser sentence.Kim Potter was convicted in December of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 killing of Wright, a 20-year-old Black motorist. She was sentenced only on the more serious charge in accordance with state law.For someone with no criminal history, such as Potter, the state guidelines on that charge range from slightly more than six years to about 8 1/2 years in prison, with the presumptive sentence being just over seven years.Prosecutors said the presumptive sentence was proper, but defense attorneys asked for a sentence below the guidelines, including a sentence of probation only.Judge Regina Chu imposed the sentence after hearing from Wright’s family and Potter.Wright’s mother said she will never be able to forgive Potter and would only refer to her as “the defendant” because Potter only referred to her 20-year-old son as “the driver” at trial.“She never once said his name. And for that I’ll never be able to forgive you. And I’ll never be able to forgive you for what you’ve stolen from us,” a tearful Wright said.“A police officer who was supposed to serve and protect so much took so much away from us ... My life and my world will never ever be the same again,” she said, adding later: “Daunte Demetrius Wright, I will continue to fight in your name until driving while black is no longer a death sentence.”Wright was killed after Brooklyn Center officers pulled him over for having expired license tags and an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror. The shooting, which came in the midst of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/derek-chauvin-convicted-george-floyd-killing-d93d1f9fc61a5261e179240dc16924dc">Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder charges</a>&nbsp;in George Floyd’s killing, sparked several days of demonstrations outside the Brooklyn Center police station marked by tear gas and clashes between protesters and police.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-arrests-ea3f946497f367662842bb08c1b8e242">Potter</a>&nbsp;was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kim-potter-guilty-manslaughter-death-of-daunte-wright-43e70645189bf61be64fc00534adf388">convicted in December of first- and second-degree manslaughter</a>&nbsp;in the April 11 killing. She’ll be sentenced only on the most serious charge of first-degree manslaughter, which carries a presumptive penalty of just over seven years in prison.Prosecutor Matt Frank said Friday that he believed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/death-of-daunte-wright-minnesota-minneapolis-bf13b1c196cb3badbc453c6083810beb">presumptive sentence is appropriate</a>, given the loss of life and Potter’s culpable negligence.“His life mattered, and that life was taken,” Frank said. “His name is Daunte Wright. We have to say his name. He was not just a driver. He was a living human being. A life.”Defense attorney Paul Engh told the judge that Wright’s death was “beyond tragic for everybody involved.” But, he added: “This was an unintentional crime. It was an accident. It was a mistake.”Engh held up a box displaying what he said were among “thousands” of letters and cards of support for Potter.“People took the time to write her,” Engh said. “This is unheard of for a defendant. I dare say no one in this room has ever seen anything like this.”He urged the judge to sentence Potter to probation, saying sentencing guidelines are often not followed because they are too high for many defendants, including first-time offenders. He said Potter would be willing to meet with Wright’s family and to speak to police officers about Taser mixups.If Potter is not sentenced to probation, then she should get a lower-than-usual sentence because Wright was the aggressor, Engh said. The testimony of other officers on the scene showed it was a dangerous situation because Wright was attempting to drive away, he said.“This was an aggressive act. I don’t know how it couldn’t be an aggressive act,” said Engh, who also said Potter had the right to defend other officers and that she never should have been charged with first-degree manslaughter.Evidence at Potter’s trial showed officers learned he had an outstanding warrant for a weapons possession charge and they tried to arrest him when he pulled away. Video showed Potter shouted several times that she was going to use her Taser on Wright, but she had her gun in her hand and fired one shot into his chest.Potter has been at the state’s women’s prison in Shakopee since the guilty verdict. Her attorney said Friday that her mental and physical health has declined because she is isolated for her safety.“If you send her to prison, you will harm her,” Engh said. “We are not in the business of harming defendants.”Potter was also expected to make a statement.Wright’s father and siblings earlier addressed the court to speak of their loss.The mother of Wright’s son, Chyna Whitaker, said Friday that Wright would never have a chance to play ball with his son, or see him go to school.“My son shouldn’t have to wear a ‘rest in peace’ shirt of his dad,” Whitaker said.For someone with no criminal history, such as Potter, the state sentencing guidelines for first-degree manslaughter call for a penalty ranging from slightly more than six years to about 8 1/2 years in prison, with the presumptive sentence being just over seven years.In Minnesota, it’s presumed that inmates who show good behavior will serve two-thirds of their sentence in prison and the rest on supervised release, commonly known as parole. That means if Potter gets the roughly seven-year presumptive sentence, she would serve about four years and nine months in custody, with the rest on parole.

Officer who pulled gun instead of Taser gets lesser prison sentence

You may be used to getting text messages and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">emails</a> from your boss, which is why a recent texting scam is so effective. Scammers find out where you work and pose as the CEO or other executive. Be on guard and don’t share money or information – be it your own or your company’s.

You receive a text from a number you don’t recognize, claiming to be from your boss.
 The sender knows your name, where you work, and your boss’s name. It 
seems so real! The text message might read something like this: “Hi 
Chris, I’m tied up in a conference call right now but let me know if you
 get this text. Thanks [your boss’ name].”

If you reply that you received the text, you’ll be asked to 
do a quick task. This could be purchasing gift cards for a client or 
wiring funds to another business. In some cases, the scammer 
may ask you to send personal information to someone, often giving you a 
plausible reason to carry out the request.

No matter how believable the reason sounds, always double check 
before taking any action. &nbsp;Once you send the money, gift cards, or 
information, it will be in the hands of a con artist.

How to protect yourself from impostor scams

Stay safe by reading the BBB’s tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">how to spot fake text messages</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-how-to-avoid-impostor-scams" target="_blank">how to avoid impostor scams</a>.&nbsp; Also, read BBB’s report about the rise of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">business email compromise scams</a>.

If you’ve spotted a scam, whether or not you fell victim, report it at <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report helps expose scammers tactics and boost consumer awareness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBYou may be used to getting text messages and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">emails</a> from your boss, which is why a recent texting scam is so effective. Scammers find out where you work and pose as the CEO or other executive. Be on guard and don’t share money or information – be it your own or your company’s.<h2>How the scam works</h2>You receive a text from a number you don’t recognize, claiming to be from your boss.
 The sender knows your name, where you work, and your boss’s name. It 
seems so real! The text message might read something like this: “Hi 
Chris, I’m tied up in a conference call right now but let me know if you
 get this text. Thanks [your boss’ name].”If you reply that you received the text, you’ll be asked to 
do a quick task. This could be purchasing gift cards for a client or 
wiring funds to another business. In some cases, the scammer 
may ask you to send personal information to someone, often giving you a 
plausible reason to carry out the request.No matter how believable the reason sounds, always double check 
before taking any action. &nbsp;Once you send the money, gift cards, or 
information, it will be in the hands of a con artist. <h2>How to protect yourself from impostor scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Don’t trust unsolicited messages from unfamiliar numbers. If
 your boss regularly communicates with you via text message, save their 
number in your contact list. Don’t respond to potential impersonators 
reaching out from a different number. </li><li>Be wary of unusual requests. If your boss has never
 asked you to buy gift cards, even if the request comes from a number 
you’ve saved, think twice. Scammers can potentially clone phone numbers 
and might have hijacked your boss’ number to target employees. </li><li>Double check with your boss personally. If a 
request comes from a strange number or just doesn’t sound right, call or
 email your boss first, using their real contact information, rather 
than replying to the message. It’s better to double check than to rush 
into a scam. Plus, your boss will want to know if they are being 
impersonated, so they can warn their other employees. </li><li>If you suspect a scam, don’t reply. If you’re 
fairly certain you’ve been contacted by a scammer, don’t reply to the 
text message. Replying lets scammers know they have an active phone 
number and could leave you vulnerable to future attacks. Instead, block the number and delete the message.</li>
 </ul><h2>For more information</h2>Stay safe by reading the BBB’s tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">how to spot fake text messages</a> and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-how-to-avoid-impostor-scams" target="_blank">how to avoid impostor scams</a>.&nbsp; Also, read BBB’s report about the rise of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20728-is-that-email-really-from-the-boss-a-bbb-study-of-business-email-compromise-scams" target="_blank">business email compromise scams</a>.If you’ve spotted a scam, whether or not you fell victim, report it at <a href="https://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report helps expose scammers tactics and boost consumer awareness.

Scam alert: That might not be your boss texting

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Firefighters in suburban Kansas City, Kansas, called to put out a vehicle fire earlier this week made a grisly discovery: a body in the car's trunk. 

Television station KSHB reports the discovery was made before dawn Monday when Kickapoo Township firefighters responded to a car fire in rural northern Leavenworth County. 

The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office says in a news release that once the fire was extinguished, firefighters found the body in the car's trunk. Investigators have not released the victim's name. Detectives are investigating.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Firefighters in suburban Kansas City, Kansas, called to put out a vehicle fire earlier this week made a grisly discovery: a body in the car's trunk. Television station KSHB reports the discovery was made before dawn Monday when Kickapoo Township firefighters responded to a car fire in rural northern Leavenworth County. The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office says in a news release that once the fire was extinguished, firefighters found the body in the car's trunk. Investigators have not released the victim's name. Detectives are investigating.

Kansas crews putting out vehicle fire discover body in trunk

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/17/kansas-house-committee-settles-on-20-cent-fee-for-suicide-prevention-hotline/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — After two days of work on a bill, a House committee agreed 
Wednesday to a proposal for the fee mobile and landline phones pay when 
Kansans seek help on a national suicide hotline starting later this 
year.

The House Health and Human Services Committee, led by Rep. Brenda 
Landwehr, R-Wichita, settled on a 20-cent monthly charge for anyone 
contacting the hotline number, 988. To supplement the funding necessary 
to allow for more intervention services to flow through the hotline, 
legislators agreed to an additional $3 million to be transferred from 
the state general fund to the hotline fund.

Potential expenses facing the Kansas Department of Aging and 
Disabilities include building up hotline centers, crisis intervention 
services and suicide prevention services, among others. Advocates say 
the bill is an important piece of the puzzle in suicide prevention and 
worth the costs.

“A hotline number that is easy to remember will increase the chance 
that vulnerable individuals might reach out and ask for help in a 
moment’s crisis,” said Shayla Sullivant, a child psychiatrist. “By 
making this number short and easy to remember, we send an important 
message to our community. We send a message that we understand that 
mental health concerns are real … and they deserve our full and 
immediate attention.”

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2281/">House Bill 2281</a>&nbsp;establishes
 the full framework for the system, which received support from the 
attorney general’s office, several Kansas police associations, medical 
professionals and other stakeholders. After amending the bill to ensure a
 compromise was reached on program funding, the panel forwarded the bill
 to the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee.

According to data collected from Kansas Vital Statistics, the rate of
 suicide in Kansas increased 69.9% from 11.3 to 19.2 per 100,000 persons
 between 1999 and 2018. The 2018 suicide rate was the highest in the 
past 20 years and is higher than the national rate of 14.2, which 
increased 35% during the same period.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 521 
Kansans lost their lives to suicide in 2019, with far-ranging 
implications beyond their death. From 2015 to 2017, Kansas resident 
suicides cost an estimated $2.24 billion in medical expenses and work 
loss, and 46,837 years of potential life lost.

“We, the state of Kansas, must now do our part to help support this 
lifesaving legislation and the funding necessary to ensure that there 
will always be someone at the other end of the line when perhaps you, me
 or one of our family members is reaching out for help,” said Jeff 
Cardwell, who lost his son to suicide nine years ago. “(The fee) is a 
very small price to pay to have that help when needed.”

While legislators were eager to provide these services, they also 
wanted to ensure some businesses and poor Kansans were not charged 
unfairly. Rep. Tory Arnberger-Blew, R-Great Bend, proposed a cap for how
 much a business could be charged per month of $50, or 250 lines, later 
changed to $10, or 50 lines.

Rep. John Barker, R-Abilene, suggested adding in another layer to 
minimize cost for those below the poverty line. Both amendments failed 
because of a lack of fiscal clarity about what this would do to program 
funding.

“I am looking out for the business, a business that has multiple 
lines,” Arnberger-Blew said. “I will bring it to the floor and have the 
fiscal note with it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645136587726.png" alt="The House Health and Human Services Committee, led by Rep. Brenda Landwehr, concluded two days of work on parameters for a national suicide prevention hotline in Kansas by establishing a usage fee of 20 cents and transferring an additional $3 million to a hotline fund. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The House Health and Human Services Committee, led by Rep. Brenda Landwehr, concluded two days of work on parameters for a national suicide prevention hotline in Kansas by establishing a usage fee of 20 cents and transferring an additional $3 million to a hotline fund. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/17/kansas-house-committee-settles-on-20-cent-fee-for-suicide-prevention-hotline/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — After two days of work on a bill, a House committee agreed 
Wednesday to a proposal for the fee mobile and landline phones pay when 
Kansans seek help on a national suicide hotline starting later this 
year.The House Health and Human Services Committee, led by Rep. Brenda 
Landwehr, R-Wichita, settled on a 20-cent monthly charge for anyone 
contacting the hotline number, 988. To supplement the funding necessary 
to allow for more intervention services to flow through the hotline, 
legislators agreed to an additional $3 million to be transferred from 
the state general fund to the hotline fund.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645136639867.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Potential expenses facing the Kansas Department of Aging and 
Disabilities include building up hotline centers, crisis intervention 
services and suicide prevention services, among others. Advocates say 
the bill is an important piece of the puzzle in suicide prevention and 
worth the costs.“A hotline number that is easy to remember will increase the chance 
that vulnerable individuals might reach out and ask for help in a 
moment’s crisis,” said Shayla Sullivant, a child psychiatrist. “By 
making this number short and easy to remember, we send an important 
message to our community. We send a message that we understand that 
mental health concerns are real … and they deserve our full and 
immediate attention.”<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2281/">House Bill 2281</a>&nbsp;establishes
 the full framework for the system, which received support from the 
attorney general’s office, several Kansas police associations, medical 
professionals and other stakeholders. After amending the bill to ensure a
 compromise was reached on program funding, the panel forwarded the bill
 to the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee.According to data collected from Kansas Vital Statistics, the rate of
 suicide in Kansas increased 69.9% from 11.3 to 19.2 per 100,000 persons
 between 1999 and 2018. The 2018 suicide rate was the highest in the 
past 20 years and is higher than the national rate of 14.2, which 
increased 35% during the same period.According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 521 
Kansans lost their lives to suicide in 2019, with far-ranging 
implications beyond their death. From 2015 to 2017, Kansas resident 
suicides cost an estimated $2.24 billion in medical expenses and work 
loss, and 46,837 years of potential life lost.“We, the state of Kansas, must now do our part to help support this 
lifesaving legislation and the funding necessary to ensure that there 
will always be someone at the other end of the line when perhaps you, me
 or one of our family members is reaching out for help,” said Jeff 
Cardwell, who lost his son to suicide nine years ago. “(The fee) is a 
very small price to pay to have that help when needed.”While legislators were eager to provide these services, they also 
wanted to ensure some businesses and poor Kansans were not charged 
unfairly. Rep. Tory Arnberger-Blew, R-Great Bend, proposed a cap for how
 much a business could be charged per month of $50, or 250 lines, later 
changed to $10, or 50 lines.Rep. John Barker, R-Abilene, suggested adding in another layer to 
minimize cost for those below the poverty line. Both amendments failed 
because of a lack of fiscal clarity about what this would do to program 
funding.“I am looking out for the business, a business that has multiple 
lines,” Arnberger-Blew said. “I will bring it to the floor and have the 
fiscal note with it.”

Kan. House committee settles on 20-cent fee for suicide prevention hotline

The
 Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling more than $580,000
 to consumers nationwide who bought indoor TV antennas and signal 
amplifiers marketed online using deceptive claims that the products 
would let them cancel their cable service and still receive their 
favorite channels for free. Each check is for $14.14.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/03/new-york-based-defendants-settle-ftc-charges-they-deceptively">According to a March 2021 complaint</a>,
 Wellco, Inc. and its owner and CEO, George M. Moscone violated the FTC 
Act by making deceptive performance claims for their antennas and signal
 amplifiers and using deceptive consumer endorsements and web pages that
 looked like objective news reports. The products were sold online under
 the brand names TV Scout, SkyWire, SkyLink, and Tilt TV.

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/10_-_stipulated_order_signed.pdf">The order settling the Commission’s charges</a>
 prohibits the defendants from making false or unsubstantiated claims 
such as those alleged in the complaint and provides for the payment of 
refunds to defrauded consumers.

More than 40,000 consumers are 
receiving refund checks. Consumers who receive checks should cash them 
within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions 
about their refunds should call Analytics Consulting LLC, the 
administrator for this case, at 1-877-629-1728.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling more than $580,000
 to consumers nationwide who bought indoor TV antennas and signal 
amplifiers marketed online using deceptive claims that the products 
would let them cancel their cable service and still receive their 
favorite channels for free. Each check is for $14.14.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/03/new-york-based-defendants-settle-ftc-charges-they-deceptively">According to a March 2021 complaint</a>,
 Wellco, Inc. and its owner and CEO, George M. Moscone violated the FTC 
Act by making deceptive performance claims for their antennas and signal
 amplifiers and using deceptive consumer endorsements and web pages that
 looked like objective news reports. The products were sold online under
 the brand names TV Scout, SkyWire, SkyLink, and Tilt TV.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/10_-_stipulated_order_signed.pdf">The order settling the Commission’s charges</a>
 prohibits the defendants from making false or unsubstantiated claims 
such as those alleged in the complaint and provides for the payment of 
refunds to defrauded consumers.More than 40,000 consumers are 
receiving refund checks. Consumers who receive checks should cash them 
within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions 
about their refunds should call Analytics Consulting LLC, the 
administrator for this case, at 1-877-629-1728.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

Cancel cable? Feds sending refunds to indoor antenna, amplifier consumers

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today proposed a $45 million fine against a company that conducted an apparently illegal robocall campaign to sell health insurance under the pretense that the annual enrollment period had been reopened due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Interstate Brokers of America apparently made 514,467 unlawful robocalls without subscribers’ prior express consent or an emergency purpose.  This is the largest TCPA robocall fine ever proposed by the Commission.

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau investigation found that Interstate Brokers made 514,196 robocalls to wireless phones and 271 telemarketing robocalls to landline phones in apparent violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.  The Bureau reviewed a sample of 10,000 calls, confirmed with the dialing platform provider that the calls were pre-recorded messages, and spoke to several recipients who confirmed they had not provided to consent to be called.  The proposed fine is based on the verified calls. 

Interstate Brokers is a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based lead generator run by Gregory Robbins and which also does business as National Health Agents.  The company purchased lists of phone numbers from third-party vendors; it also acquired numbers from consumers looking for health insurance quotes online, without clearly disclosing that, by providing contact information, the consumers would be subject to robocalls.  The company left prerecorded voice messages marketing its clients’ insurance plans.  Voice recognition software would identify when a consumer answered the call.  If a consumer responded by pressing a number on their phone, or by staying on hold, the system automatically transferred the call to a call center operated by Interstate Brokers.   Consumers were then offered insurance products sold by one of several insurance companies that had hired Interstate Brokers

One of the company’s prerecorded voice messages stated: “Many states’ opened enrollment options to combat the COVID-19 virus and our plans include telemedicine services that would allow you to see a doctor over the phone or a video that could treat common sickness like the cold and flu.  Give me a call back, at our phone number … and I can go over what is still available in your area.”  The FCC’s investigation was prompted by a report from the Industry Traceback Group of suspected illegal robocall traffic.  FCC investigators also reviewed consumer complaints including those found online.  For example, one consumer wrote online: “Message left from ‘Ashley’ from the Health care center calling to announce open enrollment for health care due to COVID-19. ... Called on my work cell phone that I do no personal business on.”

Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls made to wireless phones and telemarketing robocalls made to landlines require prior written consent of the called party.  Many of the calls also were made, apparently unlawfully, to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry.  

The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party – Gregory Robbins, Interstate Brokers of America LLC, and National Health Agents LLC – on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty.  The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL.  Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions.  The party will be given an opportunity to respond, and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977952684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission today proposed a $45 million fine against a company that conducted an apparently illegal robocall campaign to sell health insurance under the pretense that the annual enrollment period had been reopened due to the coronavirus pandemic. Interstate Brokers of America apparently made 514,467 unlawful robocalls without subscribers’ prior express consent or an emergency purpose. This is the largest TCPA robocall fine ever proposed by the Commission.The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau investigation found that Interstate Brokers made 514,196 robocalls to wireless phones and 271 telemarketing robocalls to landline phones in apparent violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The Bureau reviewed a sample of 10,000 calls, confirmed with the dialing platform provider that the calls were pre-recorded messages, and spoke to several recipients who confirmed they had not provided to consent to be called. The proposed fine is based on the verified calls. Interstate Brokers is a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based lead generator run by Gregory Robbins and which also does business as National Health Agents. The company purchased lists of phone numbers from third-party vendors; it also acquired numbers from consumers looking for health insurance quotes online, without clearly disclosing that, by providing contact information, the consumers would be subject to robocalls. The company left prerecorded voice messages marketing its clients’ insurance plans. Voice recognition software would identify when a consumer answered the call. If a consumer responded by pressing a number on their phone, or by staying on hold, the system automatically transferred the call to a call center operated by Interstate Brokers. Consumers were then offered insurance products sold by one of several insurance companies that had hired Interstate BrokersOne of the company’s prerecorded voice messages stated: “Many states’ opened enrollment options to combat the COVID-19 virus and our plans include telemedicine services that would allow you to see a doctor over the phone or a video that could treat common sickness like the cold and flu. Give me a call back, at our phone number … and I can go over what is still available in your area.” The FCC’s investigation was prompted by a report from the Industry Traceback Group of suspected illegal robocall traffic. FCC investigators also reviewed consumer complaints including those found online. For example, one consumer wrote online: “Message left from ‘Ashley’ from the Health care center calling to announce open enrollment for health care due to COVID-19. ... Called on my work cell phone that I do no personal business on.”Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, robocalls made to wireless phones and telemarketing robocalls made to landlines require prior written consent of the called party. Many of the calls also were made, apparently unlawfully, to consumers on the Do Not Call Registry. The proposed action, formally called a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, or NAL, contains only allegations that advise a party – Gregory Robbins, Interstate Brokers of America LLC, and National Health Agents LLC – on how it has apparently violated the law and may set forth a proposed monetary penalty. The Commission may not impose a greater monetary penalty in this case than the amount proposed in the NAL. Neither the allegations nor the proposed sanctions in the NAL are final Commission actions. The party will be given an opportunity to respond, and the Commission will consider the party’s submission of evidence and legal arguments before acting further to resolve the matter.

COVID insurance? Feds propose $45M fine against robocalling telemarketer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons become the fourth suspect arrested in connection with an assault at a Las Vegas nightclub that prompted the Feb. 6 arrest of New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.

Lammons turned himself in Thursday in Las Vegas and was briefly booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm and conspiracy to commit battery, police said.

Two other men, Darrin Young and Percy Harris, turned themselves in Monday and were booked on the same charges before posting bonds.

Police say surveillance video shows Kamara and at least three other men attacked the victim Feb. 5 at about 6:30 a.m. They say it shows Kamara punching the man repeatedly before others stomped on the man while he was on the floor at the rooftop nightclub Drai’s above the Cromwell hotel-casino.

Kamara was arrested Feb. 6 after he played in the NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Police say he told officers he punched the man after he thought he had done something to someone in his group and was trying to run away.

He faces a single charge of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. He was released on bond and scheduled to appear in court on March 8.

Lammons' first court appearance also is set for March 8. His attorney, Ross Goodman, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb83nmxu">Las Vegas Review-Journal&nbsp;</a>Thursday he plans to launch his own investigation of the alleged attack.

“It appears to be an unplanned and spontaneous altercation based on my review of the reports,” he said.

Las Vegas police said in a statement after Lammons' arrest Thursday they're still investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645182338453.png" alt="Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons-photo Las Vegas Police" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons-photo Las Vegas Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons become the fourth suspect arrested in connection with an assault at a Las Vegas nightclub that prompted the Feb. 6 arrest of New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.Lammons turned himself in Thursday in Las Vegas and was briefly booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm and conspiracy to commit battery, police said.Two other men, Darrin Young and Percy Harris, turned themselves in Monday and were booked on the same charges before posting bonds.Police say surveillance video shows Kamara and at least three other men attacked the victim Feb. 5 at about 6:30 a.m. They say it shows Kamara punching the man repeatedly before others stomped on the man while he was on the floor at the rooftop nightclub Drai’s above the Cromwell hotel-casino.Kamara was arrested Feb. 6 after he played in the NFL Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Police say he told officers he punched the man after he thought he had done something to someone in his group and was trying to run away.He faces a single charge of felony battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. He was released on bond and scheduled to appear in court on March 8.Lammons' first court appearance also is set for March 8. His attorney, Ross Goodman, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb83nmxu">Las Vegas Review-Journal&nbsp;</a>Thursday he plans to launch his own investigation of the alleged attack.“It appears to be an unplanned and spontaneous altercation based on my review of the reports,” he said.Las Vegas police said in a statement after Lammons' arrest Thursday they're still investigating.

Chiefs cornerback arrested in connection with Las Vegas assault 

WASHINGTON —On Thursday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on December 15, 2021, according to a statement from the White House. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in the counties of Barton, Brown, Clay, Cloud, Doniphan, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Ford, Geary, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kearny, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Meade, Mitchell, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Ness, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Republic, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Scott, Sheridan, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Trego, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, and Wyandotte.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Deanne Criswell, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named DuWayne Tewes as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639586809830.png" alt="A wall of dust moving east from 13 miles S of Sharon Springs at the Wallace/Greeley county line at 10:30a.m. Dec. 15, 2021-photo courtesy National Weather Service Goodland" />
 <figcaption>A wall of dust moving east from 13 miles S of Sharon Springs at the Wallace/Greeley county line at 10:30a.m. Dec. 15, 2021-photo courtesy National Weather Service Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Thursday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds on December 15, 2021, according to a statement from the White House. Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in the counties of Barton, Brown, Clay, Cloud, Doniphan, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Ford, Geary, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Jewell, Kearny, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Meade, Mitchell, Morris, Morton, Nemaha, Ness, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Republic, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Scott, Sheridan, Smith, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Trego, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wichita, and Wyandotte.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640357949490.png" alt="Storm damage in Ellis County on December 15" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Ellis County on December 15</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Deanne Criswell, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named DuWayne Tewes as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Biden approves Kan. disaster declaration for December 15 storms

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the&nbsp;2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-12.pdf">FS-2022-12</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions are as follows:

Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the 
full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to 
claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year 
information. Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact 
Payment through initial and "plus-up" payments in 2021.

Note: Third Economic Impact Payments are different 
than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS 
disbursed from July through December 2021.

Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments 
and won't include any information about their payment when they file. 
However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.

To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 
2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes. Also, people 
who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact 
Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax 
return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit. They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit 
page to determine their eligibility.

The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be 
included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to 
not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, 
filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the 
first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total 
of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery 
Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022.

Individuals can now view this information in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">online account</a>.

People can also locate this information on Notice 1444-C, which they 
received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 
6475, which the IRS will mail to them through March 2022.

The FAQs cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are
 for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as 
expeditiously as possible.

Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File Program</a>.
 The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and 
have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be 
directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile 
apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the&nbsp;2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.These FAQs (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2022-12.pdf">FS-2022-12</a>&nbsp;PDF) revisions are as follows:<ul>
 <li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic A: General Information: Q3, Q6</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic B: Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a 2021 tax return: Q5</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic D: Claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q6</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic E: Calculating the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q7, Q18</li><li>2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — Topic G: Finding the Third Economic 
Impact Payment Amount to Calculate the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit: Q2, 
Q7, Q8</li>
 </ul>Individuals who did not qualify for, or did not receive, the 
full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment may be eligible to 
claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax year 
information. Individuals may have received their third Economic Impact 
Payment through initial and "plus-up" payments in 2021.Note: Third Economic Impact Payments are different 
than the monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments that the IRS 
disbursed from July through December 2021.Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments 
and won't include any information about their payment when they file. 
However, people who are missing stimulus payments should review the 
information on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a> page to determine their eligibility and whether they need to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021.To claim any remaining credit for 2021, eligible people must file a 
2021 tax return, even if they usually do not file taxes. Also, people 
who did not receive all of their first and second Economic Impact 
Payments in 2020 can receive those amounts only by filing a 2020 tax 
return (or amending a previously filed return) and claiming the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit. They should review the Recovery Rebate Credit 
page to determine their eligibility.The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can reduce any taxes owed or be 
included in the tax refund for the 2021 tax year. Filers must ensure to 
not mix information from their 2020 and 2021 tax years. In particular, 
filers should take care to NOT include any information regarding the 
first and second Economic Impact Payments received in 2020, or the 2020 
Recovery Rebate Credit, on their 2021 return. They will need the total 
of the third payment received to accurately calculate the 2021 Recovery 
Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 federal tax return in 2022.Individuals can now view this information in their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">online account</a>.People can also locate this information on Notice 1444-C, which they 
received from the IRS during 2021 after each payment, as well as Letter 
6475, which the IRS will mail to them through March 2022.The FAQs cover most questions relating to claiming the credit and are
 for use by taxpayers and tax professionals and are being issued as 
expeditiously as possible.<h2>File for free and use direct deposit</h2>Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less can file their federal tax returns electronically for free through the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File Program</a>.
 The fastest way to receive a tax refund is to file electronically and 
have it direct deposited into a financial account. Refunds can be 
directly deposited into bank accounts, prepaid debit cards or mobile 
apps as long as a routing and account number is provided.

IRS updates information on 2021 COVID relief tax credits

PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.

District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. 

The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.

The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.

Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076547899.png" alt="Houser-Photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Houser-Photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman was sentenced Thursday for her role in the escape of sexual offender John Freeman Colt from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.On January 6,&nbsp;Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 of Garden City&nbsp; plead No Contest pursuant to a plea agreement to three felonies including Unlawful Sexual Relations with a patient while employed by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Traffic in Contraband in a Care and Treatment Facility while employed by KDADS, and Obstructing in the Apprehension or Prosecution of a Registered Sex Offender.District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Houser to a reduced sentence of 16 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections on each count with the counts to run concurrently.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Colt as seen on security cameras as he made his escape-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department following the June 30, 2021, escape of John Freeman Colt from the Treatment Program. Colt was captured in Wayne Country Utah on September 27, 2021.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, each count carried a presumptive prison term of 32 months with the department of corrections base on the severity level of the charges and Houser’s lack of criminal history. At the sentencing hearing, the defendant requested the Court place her on probation arguing she did not pose a danger to the public. She expressed she had been manipulated by the Colt during a time she was particularly vulnerable due to stress at work, a deteriorating marriage and the loss of her adult son in the Spring of 2021. The State argued the Court deny the request for leniency on the grounds that despite having prior knowledge of Colt’s escape plans, Houser took no actions to warn the hospital or law enforcement. Her breach of her fiduciary duty as a hospital employee placed both her co-workers and the public in danger.The defendant will receive jail credit towards her prison sentence. The Court also ordered Houser to register as a Sex Offender for a period of 25 years upon her release from prison. This downward durational departure sentence is consistent with the sentence of Colean McKoy in 2008 who assisted Perry Isley escape from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program.Houser has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since her arrest on October 8, 2021.

Kan. state hospital employee sentenced for sex offender's escape

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on theft charges after an incident in an apartment parking lot.

Just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the Pines Apartment, 238 SW Gage Blvd in Topeka in reference to two individuals potentially prowling in parked vehicles, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Officers came on scene and located an unoccupied Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot that had been stolen out of Douglas County, Kansas. 

The truck bed was full of items and offices also located A firearm in the passenger seat. Officers took two suspects identified as 22-year-old Robert Kenneth Payne and 18-year-old Bryce Cordell Walker both of Topeka into custody at the scene.

Just before 9a.m. as officers and detectives were still conducting their investigation a victim called and reported his firearm was stolen from his vehicle overnight. That firearm was confirmed as the same firearm recovered from the stolen truck. This firearm had been stolen previously in another incident and had just been returned to the victim December of 2021.

As a result of the investigation, the two suspects were transported to Shawnee County Department of corrections. Payne is being held on requested charges for Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Warrant arrest through Junction City.

Walker is jailed on requested charges of Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Bench Warrant from Pawnee County for Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645115789041.png" alt="Payne photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Payne photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on theft charges after an incident in an apartment parking lot.Just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the Pines Apartment, 238 SW Gage Blvd in Topeka in reference to two individuals potentially prowling in parked vehicles, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.Officers came on scene and located an unoccupied Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot that had been stolen out of Douglas County, Kansas. The truck bed was full of items and offices also located A firearm in the passenger seat. Officers took two suspects identified as 22-year-old Robert Kenneth Payne and 18-year-old Bryce Cordell Walker both of Topeka into custody at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645115834126.png" alt="Walker photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 9a.m. as officers and detectives were still conducting their investigation a victim called and reported his firearm was stolen from his vehicle overnight. That firearm was confirmed as the same firearm recovered from the stolen truck. This firearm had been stolen previously in another incident and had just been returned to the victim December of 2021.As a result of the investigation, the two suspects were transported to Shawnee County Department of corrections. Payne is being held on requested charges for Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Warrant arrest through Junction City.Walker is jailed on requested charges of Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Bench Warrant from Pawnee County for Theft.